Repudiate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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repudiate

[rɪˈpjuːdɪeɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

formal

Refuse to accept or be associated with. To reject the validity or authority of.

Synonyms

deny, disown, reject, renounce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
repudiate	Used in formal contexts where someone rejects the validity or truth of something, often official documents, affiliations, or responsibilities. The politician repudiated the accusations of corruption. She repudiated the contract, claiming it was signed under duress.
reject	Employed in situations where someone refuses to accept, take, or agree to something, can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The company rejected his job application. She rejected the offer to join the club.
deny	Commonly used in everyday contexts where someone refuses to accept or acknowledge the truth or existence of something. He denied any involvement in the crime. She denied knowing the person.
disown	Used when someone formally or officially declares that they no longer have any connection with or responsibility towards a person or thing, often involving family or personal relations. After their argument, his father threatened to disown him. She disowned her past actions.
renounce	Often used in formal contexts where someone declares publicly that they are giving up a title, position, belief, or affiliation. The prince renounced his claim to the throne. They renounced their previous way of life.

Examples of usage

He repudiated the allegations of corruption.
She repudiated any connection with the criminal organization.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

legal

To refuse to fulfill or comply with a legal obligation or agreement.

Synonyms

breach, break, disavow, violate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
repudiate	Repudiate is typically used in a formal context to strongly reject or deny association with something. It can be used in legal, political, or social contexts. The politician repudiated the accusations of corruption. He repudiated his former beliefs after discovering they were wrong.
break	Break is a more general and less formal term used to describe the act of causing something to separate into pieces or cease to function. It can be used in both physical and abstract contexts. Be careful not to break the glass. She broke the promise she made to her friend.
violate	Violate is used to describe the act of breaking or not respecting a rule, law, or agreement, often implying harm or disrespect. It can have a strong negative connotation. The company was criticized for violating workers' rights. He violated the terms of the contract.
breach	Breach is often used in legal, formal, and technical contexts to describe the act of breaking a rule, law, agreement, or security system. The company was fined for breaching the environmental regulations. There was a security breach in the database.
disavow	Disavow is a formal term that means to deny any responsibility or support for something. It is often used in a political or legal context. The organization disavowed any connection to the controversial figure. He disavowed the actions of his predecessor.

Examples of usage

The company repudiated the contract by failing to deliver the goods on time.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Politics

Politicians often repudiate policies or statements to distance themselves from controversial actions.
A well-known example is when public figures repudiate allegations against them to maintain their reputation.
Reputation management plays a key role in political discourse, often involving public repudiation.

Philosophy

In philosophical discussions, to repudiate a belief means to reject it fundamentally, often leading to new understandings.
Renowned thinkers have repudiate previous understandings to develop alternative theories that shape modern thought.
The act of repudiation can lead to significant philosophical movements, as seen in the works of various existentialist philosophers.

Literature

Many literary characters undergo a journey of repudiation, rejecting old beliefs to find their identity.
Classic works often depict protagonists who repudiate societal norms in their quest for personal freedom.
This theme of repudiation can serve as a crucial turning point in character development.

Law

In legal contexts, to repudiate a contract means one party refuses to be bound by its terms.
Repudiation can lead to legal disputes, often requiring mediation or court intervention.
Understanding the implications of repudiation is crucial in contract law, as it often determines liability.

Origin of 'repudiate'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'repudiare', which means 'to cast off' or 'reject'.
In Latin, 'repudium' referred to a formal divorce, highlighting its origins in rejection and separation.
The term has evolved over centuries, with its use seen across various languages, including its adaptation in Middle English.

The word 'repudiate' originated from the Latin word 'repudiare', meaning 'to divorce or reject'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the act of rejecting or refusing to accept something. The term is commonly used in formal and legal contexts to denote the rejection of an idea, belief, or obligation.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,571, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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16568 stockpile
16569 denser
16570 interpretative
16571 repudiate
16572 tornado
16573 programmatic
16574 trod
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