relent

[ ri-lent ]

verb (used without object)

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

   Synonyms: yield, bend

2. to become less severe; slacken:

   The winds relented.

verb (used with object)

1. Obsolete. to cause to soften in feeling, temper, or determination.
2. Obsolete. to cause to slacken; abate.
3. Obsolete. to abandon; relinquish.

relent

/ rɪˈlɛnt /

verb

1. to change one's mind about some decided course, esp a harsh one; become more mild or amenable
2. (of the pace or intensity of something) to slacken
3. (of the weather) to become more mild

Other Words From

• re·lenting·ly adverb
• nonre·lenting adjective
• unre·lented adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of relent¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin *relentāre, equivalent to Latin re- re- + lentāre to bend, derivative of lentus flexible, viscous, slow

Word History and Origins

Origin of relent¹

C14: from re- + Latin lentāre to bend, from lentus flexible, tenacious

Example Sentences

Then he appeared to relent, inviting us to interview him at his gym in Puerto Rico.

From BBC

In those difficult years, the department sometimes resisted but sometimes relented.

From Los Angeles Times

Eventually, they also relented on the oil so as not to disrupt the global energy market.

From Los Angeles Times

But he insisted on playing, he even texted the entire team his decision, and the Dodgers relented.

From Los Angeles Times

Bristol did not relent and while a long spell with the ball failed to get them over, they came back for a penalty which MacGinty kicked to push them six points clear.

From BBC

Related Words

• acquiesce
• capitulate
• cave in
• come around
• comply
• ease off
• give in
• give up
• let go
• quit
• relax
• slacken
• soften
• subside