Relented
/rɪˈlɛntɪd/
verbB2past tense
Definition
To relent means to stop being strict, angry, or firm about a decision or feeling. It often happens after some time of saying no or being hard. When someone relents, they allow or agree to something they did not want before.
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See It in Action
To become less strict or angry about something
- •After hours of arguing, he finally relented and agreed to help.
- •The weather relented, and the sun came out after the storm.
- •She relented and let her children stay up late for the party.
To stop resisting or opposing something
- •The guard relented and opened the gate.
- •He relented to the pressure and changed his mind.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'relent' like 'give in,' but not just stopping—it's a soft change in feeling or decision after being firm
- ✓Picture a person holding a heavy door closed but slowly opening it a little because they feel softer inside
- ✓It's the feeling when you stop being angry with a friend and decide to forgive them
- ✓Sounds like 're-LENT-ed' → imagine someone lending (giving) their strictness away, becoming gentle
- ✓Think of a story where a strict teacher finally allows a student to leave early after saying no many times
- ✓NOT like 'refuse' (say no firmly)—relent means to stop refusing and say yes or allow
- ✓NOT like 'give up' (stop trying)—relent is about softening a feeling or decision, not quitting completely
- ✓NOT like 'accept' (agree right away)—relent usually follows some resistance or delay
Try Other Words
- •Yield: to stop resisting and allow something (Use when the focus is on stopping opposition)
- •Surrender: to give up control or power (Use when the meaning is stronger, often in conflict)
- •Soften: to become less strict or harsh (Use when focusing on feelings or attitudes becoming gentler)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix 're-' (again, back) + root 'lent' (from Latin 'lentus' meaning slow, flexible)
- •Etymology: From Old French 'relentir,' meaning to soften or become less hard
- •Historical development: Used since the 1300s to mean becoming less severe or angry
- •Modern usage: Used mostly in formal or literary contexts to describe softening decisions or feelings
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you relented after being very sure about something? What made you change your mind?
•How does the idea of relenting help in solving arguments or conflicts between people?
Fill in the blanks
1.After many requests, she relented and ___ to their demands.
2.The storm finally relented, and the sky became ___.
3.He relented because he realized continuing the fight was ___.
4.Unlike refusing, to relent means to ___ your opinion or feelings.
5.When parents relent, they often ___ rules or restrictions.
6.The teacher relented ___ letting the students leave early after the test.
7.We can infer that someone who relents has changed from being ___ to more flexible.