Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Recanted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

❌
Add to dictionary

recanted

[rɪˈkæntɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal context

To recant means to withdraw or retract a statement, belief, or opinion that one has previously held. This term is often used in legal situations where a witness may change their testimony. Recanting can occur in various contexts including religion, science, and politics, usually implying a significant change in one’s convictions or statements. Recanting can also suggest a form of disavowal, where an individual no longer supports a particular ideology or stance.

Synonyms

disavow, renounce, retract, take back, withdraw.

Examples of usage

  • The witness recanted their earlier statement.
  • Many have recanted their previous beliefs after new evidence emerged.
  • She decided to recant her accusations publicly.
  • The scientist recanted his findings after further research.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Famous figures, like Galileo Galilei, were forced to recant their scientific findings due to pressure from the church.
  • During the McCarthy era, many accused individuals recanted their earlier statements to avoid persecution.
  • Recantation has been a key concept in numerous trials throughout history, especially involving political or ideological dissent.

Pop Culture

  • In literature, characters often recant their decisions, portraying personal growth or regret, such as in Shakespeare's plays.
  • Movies frequently depict heroes who must recant their past choices to fight against wrongdoing or to redeem themselves.
  • Songs sometimes explore themes of recanting love or regret, like Taylor Swift's reflective lyrics.

Psychology

  • Recanting beliefs can be tied to cognitive dissonance, where a person feels uncomfortable holding conflicting beliefs.
  • People often recant statements to align with social norms or to fit in with a group they value.
  • Research shows that individuals who recant often do so from a place of fear or pressure rather than genuine belief change.

Literature

  • Many novels feature protagonists who recant their beliefs, illustrating internal conflict and character evolution.
  • Authors use recantation as a device to explore themes of honesty, integrity, and redemption in their narratives.
  • In classic literature, such as 'The Confessions of St. Augustine', recanting is a pivotal theme as the protagonist reflects on past sins.

Origin of 'recanted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'recantare', which means 'to proclaim again'.
  • It began to appear in English during the 15th century, originally referring to withdrawing a statement in religious contexts.
  • In legal terms, it often refers to a witness revoking their previous testimony.

The word 'recant' originates from the Latin 'recantare', which is composed of 're-' meaning 'back' and 'cantare' meaning 'to sing'. Thus, the term can be understood as 'to sing back' or 'to take back what was said'. The concept of recantation has roots in religious practices, particularly during the Inquisition, when individuals were pressured to recant their beliefs or face severe consequences. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader range of contexts, including science and law, where it denotes the act of formally withdrawing a statement or belief. In modern usage, to recant can signify a shift in ideology or acknowledgment of one's previous errors, often highlighting the complexity of human belief and the influence of new information. The act of recanting can be both personal and public, reflecting a significant moment in an individual's ideological journey.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,335 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.