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relent — to become less severe, harsh, or strict; to give in or yield

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to become less severe, harsh, or strict; to give in or yield

Pronunciation (IPA): /rɪˈlent/

Example Sentences

  • The strict diet coach finally relented and allowed his client one slice of pizza.
  • Despite her children's tears, she refused to relent on the 'no candy before dinner' rule.
  • The rain finally relented after three days of constant downpour.

relent

VERB

[/rɪˈlent/]

to become less severe, harsh, or strict; to give in or yield

The stern father finally began to relent when his daughter pleaded for the puppy.
💡 Concept

The stern father finally began to relent when his daughter pleaded for the puppy.

He bent low to enter the tent as his heart began to relent
🎵 Rhyme

He bent low to enter the tent as his heart began to relent

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/rɪˈlent/
🇬🇧 UK/rɪˈlent/

🌳Etymology

Prefixre--
Rootlent

Origin

From Latin 'relentus', the past participle of 'relentare', meaning 'to slacken' or 'to soften'. The prefix 're-' means 'back' or 'again', combined with 'lentus' meaning 'slow' or 'flexible'.

Breakdown

re- (back/again) + lent (from Latin lentus, meaning slow/flexible) = relent (to soften one's position or become less strict)

🎵Rhyme

bent
sent
tent
rent

🔗Collocations

finally relent
refuse to relent
relent under pressure
relent in one's demands
never relent

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The strict diet coach finally relented and allowed his client one slice of pizza.”

“Despite her children's tears, she refused to relent on the 'no candy before dinner' rule.”

“The rain finally relented after three days of constant downpour.”

😄 Fun example

“My cat kept meowing until I relented and gave her the expensive tuna.”

📚Related Words

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