relent
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From Middle English, from Anglo-Norman relenter, from Latin re- + lentare to bend, from lentus soft, pliant, slow. Date 1526 - merriam-webster.com
Pronunciation [edit]
Noun [edit]
relent (plural relents)
Derived terms [edit]
Translations [edit]
Verb [edit]
relent (third-person singular simple present relents, present participle relenting, simple past and past participle relented)
- To become less severe or intense; to become less hard, harsh, or cruel; to soften in temper; to become more mild and tender; to feel compassion.
- He relented of his plan to murder his opponent, and decided just to teach him a lesson instead.
- I did, I suppose, hope that she might finally relent a little and make some conciliatory response or other. (from "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro)
- To slacken; to abate.
- We waited for the storm to relent before we ventured outside.
- He will not relent in his effort to reclaim his victory.
- (obsolete, transitive) To lessen, make less severe or fast.
- 1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, III.iv:
- But nothing might relent her hastie flight; / So deepe the deadly feare of that foule swaine / Was earst impressed in her gentle spright [...].
- 1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, III.iv:
- (dated) To become less rigid or hard; to soften; to yield; to dissolve; to melt; to deliquesce.
- The solid block attracted moisture from the air and relented into a thick brown liquour.
Translations [edit]
become less severe, soften in temper
|
|
