FeelingGuide

Regret vs Repentant

Regret

negative emotion

Regret is an emotional response characterized by feelings of sorrow or disappointment over something that one has done or failed to do, often accompanied by a desire to change the past or a sense of loss regarding opportunities or choices not taken.

Repentant

negative emotion

Repentant refers to a feeling of remorse or regret for having done something wrong or harmful. It encompasses a desire to atone for one's actions and to seek forgiveness from others or oneself.

Key Differences

AspectRegretRepentant
Sentimentnegativenegative
Typeemotionemotion
NatureRegret can be both constructive and destructive. Constructively, it may prompt self-reflection and positive change, lead...Repentant tends to be constructive when it motivates individuals to change their behaviors and seek forgiveness. However...

Regret's Perspective

Regret is frequently confused with guilt, yet they are distinct emotions. While regret focuses on the evaluation of past decisions and their outcomes, guilt often pertains to a sense of responsibility for wrongdoing or harm caused to others. Both emotions can co-exist, but regret can be seen as more about personal choices, whereas guilt is relational and often involves moral considerations.

Repentant's Perspective

Repentant is often confused with guilt, as both involve feelings of remorse. However, guilt tends to focus on the feeling of having done something wrong, while repentant includes the desire to atone and seek forgiveness, indicating a more proactive stance toward personal accountability and change.

Explore Both