Basic Details
Word: Relent
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To become less strict or to give in after being firm.
Synonyms: Yield, concede, soften
Antonyms: Resist, refuse, oppose
Idioms and Phrases
- Relentless pursuit: The act of continuously striving to achieve something without giving up. Example: "His relentless pursuit of success made him a role model for many."
- Relent from one’s stance: To change one's mind about a firm position. Example: "After much discussion, she decided to relent from her stance and agree to the team's decision."
Usage Examples
Example 1: After hours of negotiation, the manager finally decided to relent and approve the team’s budget.
Example 2: Despite her strict rules, she began to relent when he pleaded for a little more freedom.
Example 3: The dog would not relent in its barking until it received attention from its owner.
Fun Fact
The word "relent" comes from the Latin word "relentare," which means "to soften." It reflects a change from being hard or strict to being more forgiving or flexible.
Famous Quote
"It is better to yield than to fight; better to relent than to be unyielding." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "relent" mean?
a) To become stricter
b) To give in or become less firm
c) To refuse something
d) To start an argument
Answer: b) To give in or become less firm
2. Which of these is a synonym of "relent"?
a) Oppose
b) Yield
c) Resist
d) Reject
Answer: b) Yield
3. What is an antonym of "relent"?
a) Agree
b) Yield
c) Resist
d) Accept
Answer: c) Resist
4. Which sentence uses "relent" correctly?
a) The storm will relent and stop soon.
b) She will relent her decision and stand firm.
c) He chose to relent and stick to his argument.
d) The teacher decided to relent after hearing the students' concerns.
Answer: d) The teacher decided to relent after hearing the students' concerns.
5. Which idiom means to be determined in achieving something?
a) Stop at nothing
b) Relentless pursuit
c) Stand your ground
d) Let go of the rope
Answer: b) Relentless pursuit
