'repentance' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'repentir,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'pentir' meant 'to feel regret.'

'repentir' transformed into the Middle English word 'repenten,' and eventually became the modern English word 'repentance.'

Initially, it meant 'to feel regret again,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'sincere regret or remorse for wrongdoing.'