Reneged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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reneged
[rɪˈnɛɡd ]
Definition
breaking promise
To reneged means to go back on a promise, commitment, or agreement. It implies a deliberate decision to not follow through on previously stated intentions or obligations. Reneging can occur in various contexts, such as in personal relationships, business deals, or legal matters. This action is often viewed negatively, as it can damage trust and relationships.
Synonyms
break, default, renege, retract, withdraw.
Examples of usage
- He reneged on his promise to help me move.
- The company reneged on the contract terms.
- She felt betrayed when he reneged on their deal.
- They reneged on their agreement to split the costs.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Law
- In legal terms, reneging often refers to failing to uphold terms of a contract, which can lead to lawsuits.
- When someone reneges on an agreement in a business deal, it can seriously damage trust between parties.
- Reneging in a contract can sometimes involve financial penalties or forfeiture of deposits.
Games
- In card games like bridge, to 'renege' means to fail to follow suit when you should have, which is considered a violation of the rules.
- Players often get penalized for reneging in formal gaming settings as it undermines fair play.
- The concept of reneging affects strategy and teamwork in competitive games.
Psychology
- Reneging on promises can lead to feelings of guilt and shame in individuals, which affects their self-esteem.
- Cognitive dissonance arises when someone reneges, as their actions conflict with their beliefs about commitment.
- Research shows that people who renege often face social backlash, impacting their relationships and trustworthiness.
Pop Culture
- The theme of reneging is prevalent in many movies where characters betray their friends or partners.
- Songs often explore the heartbreak and consequences that come from someone reneging on love or loyalty promises.
- In literature, reneging can illustrate conflict between personal desires and moral obligations, driving plot twists.
Origin of 'reneged'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'reneged' comes from the Middle English word 'reneggen', which meant 'to deny' or 'to refuse'.
- Its roots can be traced to the Old French word 'reneguer', meaning 'to deny' or 'to disown'.
- The word is related to 'renege' and has been used in English since at least the late 14th century.
The word 'reneged' originates from the Latin root 'renegare', which means 'to deny' or 'to disown.' It entered the English language in the 16th century, initially used in the context of denying a religious faith or allegiance. Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass the act of breaking a promise or commitment. The verb form of 'renege' began to gain traction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in legal and financial contexts. The implication of betrayal or deceit became central to its usage, contributing to a negative connotation associated with the act of reneging.