Recant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
recant
[rษชหkant ]
Definition
admitting error
To recant means to publicly take back or withdraw a statement or belief, especially one that you have previously affirmed. It often involves admitting that you were wrong or mistaken.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| recant |
When someone publicly withdraws a statement or belief, usually under pressure or because they were wrong.
|
| retract |
When someone takes back a statement or an accusation, usually because it was false or incorrect.
|
| revoke |
When an authority withdraws an offer, a right, or a privilege, officially and formally.
|
| renounce |
When someone formally declares that they no longer support or own a particular belief, claim, or possession. It often has a solemn or ceremonial tone.
|
Examples of usage
- He was forced to recant his earlier statement under pressure.
- She had to recant her controversial opinions after facing criticism.
- The scientist was asked to recant his theory in light of new evidence.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- Notably, Galileo recanted his beliefs about the heliocentric theory under pressure, showcasing the tension between science and authority.
- During the Reformation, many individuals recanted their support for the Catholic Church, leading to significant social and religious changes.
- In the Salem Witch Trials, several accused 'witches' recanted their confessions to avoid execution, demonstrating the impact of fear on belief.
Literature
- Recantation appears in Shakespeare's works, often illustrating charactersโ moral dilemmas and changing loyalties.
- In George Orwell's '1984', the protagonist's struggle with recanting his beliefs reflects the power of oppressive regimes over individual thoughts.
- Many literary characters face the choice of recanting their convictions, symbolizing the conflict between personal integrity and societal pressure.
Psychology
- Recantation can be related to cognitive dissonance, where people change their beliefs to align with new experiences or information.
- Psychologically, admitting to a change of mind can lead to relief but may also bring feelings of embarrassment or conflict.
- Studies show that people often recant beliefs when confronted with strong evidence, suggesting a desire to avoid social or intellectual conflict.
Pop Culture
- In many movies, characters often recant their harsh words to loved ones, portraying the theme of forgiveness and understanding.
- Famous public figures sometimes recant controversial statements to manage their reputation and public opinion.
- Recanting beliefs forms a key plot device in dramas, where characters sometimes flip their stances to create tension and surprise.
Origin of 'recant'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'recant' comes from the Latin 'recantare', meaning 'to sing back' or 'to revoke'.
- It was first used in English in the late 14th century, reflecting the changeability of opinions.
- The prefix 're-' implies repetition or doing something again, emphasizing the act of taking back.
The word 'recant' originates from the Latin word 'recantare', which means to revoke or make a public declaration against something previously stated. The term was commonly used in religious contexts, particularly during the Inquisition, where individuals were often forced to recant their beliefs under threat of punishment. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a broader meaning of retracting or renouncing a statement or belief.