Recanting: meaning, definitions and examples

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recanting

 

[ rɪˈkæntɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

formal declaration

Recanting is the act of withdrawing or retracting a previously held statement or belief. This term is often used in legal, religious, or political contexts where an individual may publicly disavow their earlier opinions or commitments. It implies a change of heart or acknowledgment that one's prior stance was incorrect. Recanting can also be associated with the abandonment of doctrines or assertions that one once supported fervently.

Synonyms

abjure, disavow, renounce, revoke, withdraw

Examples of usage

  • The scientist was forced to recant his earlier research conclusions due to new evidence.
  • Under pressure, the witness decided to recant his testimony in court.
  • Many artists recant their previous political statements as they grow and change.
  • After being confronted with the truth, she chose to recant her accusations.

Translations

Translations of the word "recanting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 revogação

🇮🇳 अवहेलन

🇩🇪 Widerruf

🇮🇩 pencabutan

🇺🇦 відкликання

🇵🇱 odwołanie

🇯🇵 撤回

🇫🇷 révocation

🇪🇸 revocación

🇹🇷 iptal etme

🇰🇷 철회

🇸🇦 إلغاء

🇨🇿 odvolání

🇸🇰 odvolanie

🇨🇳 撤回

🇸🇮 preklic

🇮🇸 aftaka

🇰🇿 қайтарып алу

🇬🇪 გაუქმება

🇦🇿 lazım

🇲🇽 revocación

Word origin

The term 'recant' originates from the Latin word 'recantare', which means 'to sing back'. The prefix 're-' indicates a reversal or backtracking, while 'cant' refers to singing or speaking. Over time, the term evolved through Middle English as 'recanten', and eventually adopted its modern form. It has been utilized since the early 14th century, particularly in religious contexts where individuals would renounce heretical beliefs under pressure from church authorities. The evolution of the term reflects wider societal changes, particularly during periods of religious reform and enlightenment, when the act of recanting became significant in contexts of individual belief versus institutional doctrine.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,257, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.