Relent

Pronunciation: /rɪˈlɛnt/

Definitions of relent

verb to soften in feeling, temper, or determination; become more mild, compassionate, or forgiving

Example Sentences

A1 I asked him to stop teasing me, but he wouldn't relent.

A2 After hours of negotiation, the company finally relented and agreed to our terms.

B1 The government has shown no signs of relenting in their efforts to combat corruption.

B2 Despite the harsh weather conditions, the hikers did not relent in their journey to the mountain top.

C1 The CEO's determination to succeed never relented, even in the face of adversity.

C2 The athlete's relentless training regime never relented, leading to multiple championship wins.

Examples of relent in a Sentence

formal Despite numerous warnings, the storm refused to relent, causing widespread damage.

informal I've been asking for a break all day, but my boss won't relent.

slang My mom keeps nagging me about cleaning my room, she just won't relent.

figurative The pain in her heart did not relent, even after years had passed.

Grammatical Forms of relent

• past tense: relented
• plural: relents
• comparative: more relenting
• superlative: most relenting
• present tense: relent
• future tense: will relent
• perfect tense: have relented
• continuous tense: is relenting
• singular: relent
• positive degree: relent
• infinitive: to relent
• gerund: relenting
• participle: relented

Origin and Evolution of relent

First Known Use: 1300 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'relent' originated from the Latin word 'lentare' which means 'to bend' or 'to lean'. It later evolved into the Old French word 'relentir' meaning 'to slacken' or 'to soften'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'relent' shifted from its original meaning of 'to soften' to its current usage of 'to become less severe or intense'. The word has evolved to convey a sense of yielding or giving in, particularly in the context of showing mercy or compassion.