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 Word Forms

• relentingly adverb
• nonrelenting adjective
• unrelented 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

The uncertainty and difficulties that have followed Sterling's career for 12 months show no sign of relenting.

From BBC

As for the graying Afghan scholar, the Taliban relented just long enough for several family members to make it out of the country.

From Salon

They finally relented and let her take the tape off, and she took a bunch of pictures of celebrities.

From Los Angeles Times

Faculty have accused the university’s leaders of relenting on coveted higher education values of academic freedom independent of government or political influence.

From Los Angeles Times

Hull refused to relent and continued to attack, closing the gap to one shot until a costly trip to a fairway bunker on the 16th.

From BBC

Related Words

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