re·pent·ant I. \-ənt, -ənt\adjective Etymology: Middle English repentaunt, from Old French repentant, present participle of repentir to repent 1.: experiencing repentance : penitent < the repentant little prodigal — W.M.Thackeray > 2.: expressing or showing repentance < repentant tears > • re·pent·ant·lyadverb II. noun (-s) archaic: penitent