Renounce Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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renounce
[rɪˈnaʊns ]
Definition
formal
To formally declare one's abandonment or renunciation of a claim, right, or possession. It implies a public or official announcement of one's decision.
Synonyms
abandon, discard, disown, relinquish, surrender.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| renounce |
Used when formally or officially giving up a position, right, or belief.
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| relinquish |
Used when giving up control, power, or a claim, often unwillingly or reluctantly.
|
| surrender |
Used when giving up something in response to external pressure, often in a conflict or competitive situation.
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| discard |
Used when getting rid of something that is no longer useful or wanted, usually physical objects.
|
| abandon |
Used when leaving something or someone behind, often in a negative or dramatic situation.
|
| disown |
Used when formally rejecting or cutting ties, often within a family or close relationship, and typically has a strong negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- I renounce all claims to the inheritance.
- She renounced her citizenship and became a citizen of another country.
- The politician renounced his previous statements and issued an apology.
- He renounced his position as leader of the organization.
- The rebel leader renounced violence and called for peace negotiations.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- In many philosophical traditions, renouncing worldly desires is seen as a path to inner peace and enlightenment.
- Some schools of thought view renunciation as a necessary step to achieving personal growth and fulfillment.
- Stoicism encourages renouncing attachments to material possessions to focus on virtue and wisdom.
Religion
- In various religions, renunciation can represent a commitment to spiritual enlightenment, such as in Buddhism, where one may renounce earthly pleasures.
- Christianity presents the idea of renouncing sin as a way to live a life more aligned with faith.
- The act of taking vows often includes renouncing previous secular lifestyles in favor of religious devotion.
Cultural Impact
- Many historical figures have publicly renounced their previous beliefs or allegiances, leading to significant societal changes.
- In literature and film, characters often undergo a journey of renouncing their former selves to embrace new identities.
- Social movements sometimes encourage the renouncement of harmful practices or ideologies to advocate for positive change.
Psychology
- Renouncing behaviors or beliefs can be a form of personal empowerment and self-therapy.
- Psychologists note that the choice to renounce harmful habits can lead to improved mental well-being.
- Self-reflection plays a crucial role in the process of renouncing, as it helps individuals understand their values and choices.
Origin of 'renounce'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from the Latin word 'renuntiare', meaning to announce or declare back.
- The word first appeared in the English language in the early 15th century, originally used in the context of giving up a title or claim.
- Related words include 'renunciation', which refers to the act of giving something up.
The word 'renounce' originated from the Middle English word 'renuncen', which came from the Old French word 'renoncier', ultimately derived from the Latin word 'renuntiare' meaning 'to declare, announce'. The term has been used since the 14th century to signify the act of formally giving up or rejecting something.
See also: renouncing, renunciation.