renounce

/rɪˈnaʊns/
verbIntermediate to formally reject or give up
formal

to formally reject or give up a right, privilege, or claim

The king renounced the throne in favor of his son.

The king formally gave up the throne to his son.

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Often used in legal or formal contexts, such as renouncing citizenship or inheritance.

formal

to abandon or reject a belief, principle, or way of life

He renounced his religious beliefs after years of doubt.

He formally rejected his religious beliefs after years of doubt.

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This usage is often associated with a public or formal declaration.

Collocations

renounce one's citizenshipto formally give up one's citizenshiprenounce a claimto formally reject a legal or moral claimrenounce a titleto formally give up a title or position

Related Phrases

renounce one's vowsphrase
to formally reject or abandon religious or marital vows
renounce all worldly possessionsphrase
to give up all material goods or attachments

💡Pro Tip

Formal Context

'Renounce' is typically used in formal or legal contexts, such as renouncing citizenship or a claim.

Gold Rule

Formal Rejection

'Renounce' implies a formal and deliberate rejection or abandonment, often with legal or social implications.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English *renouncen*, from Old French *renoncer*, from Latin *renuntiāre* (to announce, declare, renounce), from *re-* (again) + *nuntiāre* (to announce).

📝Usage Notes

The verb 'renounce' is often used in formal or legal contexts, such as renouncing citizenship or a claim. It implies a deliberate and formal rejection or abandonment.

Word Breakdown

re-
again
prefix
+
-nounce
to announce or declare
root
English Dictionary