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noun

el arrepentimiento

regret

Sentimiento de pena o culpa por algo que se hizo o se dejó de hacer, y deseo de cambiar o de que no hubiera pasado.

Definition & meaning

The word arrepentimiento refers to the feeling of regret or remorse for an action, decision, or thought. It encompasses the internal process of acknowledging a past mistake or wrongdoing and the subsequent desire to change or atone for it.

There are two primary contexts for its use:

  1. Moral or emotional regret: A deep sense of sadness or guilt over something one has done, often leading to a change in attitude or behavior.
  2. Religious context: In many theological traditions, it refers to "repentance," which involves a sincere turning away from sin and a commitment to seek forgiveness or spiritual correction.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

  • It is a masculine noun.
  • It is formed from the verb arrepentirse (to repent).

Word origin: The word is derived from the Old Spanish arrepentir, which comes from the prefix a- (a variation of ad-, meaning "to") combined with the Vulgar Latin repentire. The root re- suggests "back" or "again," and pentire relates to the Latin paenitere (to feel regret or be sorry), which is also the root for the word "penance."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Remordimiento : Often refers more specifically to the "sting" of conscience or guilt.
  • Pesar : A broader term for sorrow or grief, often used when expressing regret for a mistake.
  • Contrición : Frequently used in formal or religious contexts to describe deep sorrow for sin.
  • Arrepentida : (In its adjective/past participle form) describing the state of having felt regret.

Antonyms:

  • Impenitencia : The state of being unrepentant or lacking remorse.
  • Indiferencia : A lack of interest or concern regarding one's past actions.
  • Satisfacción : A feeling of contentment or pride, indicating a total lack of regret for one's actions.

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Examples

No siento ningún arrepentimiento por mis decisiones.noun

I feel no regret for my decisions.

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