Unrelenting

/ˌʌnrɪˈlɛntɪŋ/ adjective

Definition

Not yielding in strength, severity, or determination; persistent and unyielding.

Etymology

From 'un-' plus 'relenting,' where 'relent' comes from Latin 're-' (again) and 'lentus' (slow, pliant). The word originally meant to soften or become less severe, so 'unrelenting' describes something that never softens.

Kelly Says

The root 'lentus' also gives us 'lens' (originally lentil-shaped) and 'Lent' (the slow, penitential season)! This family of words all share the concept of gradual change or deliberate slowness, making 'unrelenting' ironically fast-paced in its refusal to slow down.

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