relent implies a yielding through pity or mercy by one who holds the upper hand.

RELENT definition: to soften in feeling, temper, or determination; become more mild, compassionate, or forgiving. See examples of relent used in a sentence.

RELENT definition: 1. to act in a less severe way towards someone and allow something that you had refused to allow…. Learn more.

to become less severe or unkind; to agree after refusing at first.

Definition of relent verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Dec 15, 2025 · relent (third-person singular simple present relents, present participle relenting, simple past and past participle relented) (intransitive) To give in or be swayed; to become less hard, harsh, …

relent /rɪˈlɛnt/ vb (intransitive) to change one's mind about some decided course, esp a harsh one; become more mild or amenable (of the pace or intensity of something) to slacken (of the weather) to …

The root of relent is the Latin lentus, which means "to slow down or soften." The original meaning, from the 15th century, most likely had to do with the heart — as in "to stop resisting love."

Relent definition: To become more lenient, compassionate, or forgiving.

RELENT meaning: 1 : to agree to do or accept something that you have been resisting or opposing; 2 : to become less severe, harsh, strong, determined, etc.