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.

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."

Dec 15, 2025 · relent (comparative more relent, superlative most relent) (obsolete) Softhearted; yielding.

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 …

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.

If you relent, you allow someone to do something that you had previously refused to allow them to do. Finally his mother relented and gave permission for her youngest son to marry.