How to pronounce repentance
Say it like rih-PEN-tuns. Repentance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce repentance. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- rih
- PEN
- tuns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Repentance pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- rihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- PENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of repentance
American and British speakers say repentance in essentially the same way: /rɪˈpɛntəns/ in the US and /rɪˈpɛntəns/ in the UK.
British respelling: rih-PEN-tuns.
What does repentance mean?
- The action of repenting, an instance of it, atonement.
- The condition of being repentant, penitent, a state of feeling regret or remorse for having done wrong.
Where does repentance come from?
First attested circa 14th century, from Middle English repentance, repentaunce, from Old French repentance.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with repentance
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of repentance.
Questions about saying repentance
How do you pronounce repentance?
Say rih-PEN-tuns. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈpɛntəns/. In British English it is /rɪˈpɛntəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in repentance?
Repentance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PEN). Broken into parts: rih · PEN · tuns.
Do Americans and Brits say repentance the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rɪˈpɛntəns/ and the British form is /rɪˈpɛntəns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.