relented

[/rɪˈlɛntɪd/]
verb
cedeu, abrandou, recuou
1. to become less severe, harsh, or strict; to yield or give in to pressure or persuasion
After weeks of protests, the government finally relented and lowered the taxes.
Após semanas de protestos, o governo finalmente cedeu e reduziu os impostos.
2. to soften in feeling or attitude; to show mercy or compassion
The judge relented and gave the young offender a lighter sentence.
O juiz abrandou e deu ao jovem infrator uma sentença mais leve.
3. to decrease in intensity or severity
The storm relented by evening, and the sun appeared.
A tempestade abrandou ao anoitecer, e o sol apareceu.
The verb 'relent' and its past tense 'relented' are commonly used in both American and Brazilian contexts to describe situations where authority figures, institutions, or individuals change their stance due to pressure, persuasion, or a change of heart. In business and political contexts in Brazil, 'cedeu' is frequently used in media reporting when discussing negotiations or policy changes.
NYC Slang
caved, backed down
Synonyms / Sinônimos
yieldedgave insoftenedcapitulatedbacked downrelentedacquiesced
Antonyms / Antônimos
persistedresistedinsistedhardenedintensified

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
cedeu, abrandou
Most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
cedeu, recuou
Often used in casual speech
São Paulo
cedeu, abrandou
Standard business and formal usage
Portugal
cedeu, abrandou
Similar usage to Brazilian Portuguese, though slightly more formal tone

Related Words

relentrelentlessrelentinglymercycompassionyieldconcede

Related Idioms & Phrases

relent one's grip
relent from one's position
finally relented
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