demit
C2Formal, Technical (Heraldry)
Definition
Meaning
to resign from a position or office; to formally give up a role.
To relinquish or let go of something held; (archaic) to dismiss or send down.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in formal contexts or heraldry. In heraldry, 'demit' describes a charge that is partly cut off by the edge of the shield.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in UK English, particularly in heraldic and formal institutional contexts.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of formal, often voluntary, relinquishment.
Frequency
Rare in both varieties; considered a high-register word.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] demitted [NP] (e.g., He demitted his office).[NP] demit [PP] (e.g., to demit from the committee).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common use.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in formal minutes or announcements of high-level resignations.
Academic
Found in historical texts regarding office-holding; rare in modern academic writing.
Everyday
Extremely rare; 'resign' or 'quit' are used instead.
Technical
Used in heraldry to describe a charge partly cut off by the shield's edge.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The chairman was required to demit his role following the scandal.
- He chose to demit from the board to pursue other interests.
American English
- She formally demitted her position as treasurer.
- The officer demitted his charge after thirty years of service.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The director will demit his post at the end of the fiscal year.
- Pressure mounted for the commissioner to demit his office following the inquiry's damning report.
- In heraldic terms, the lion is demitted at the forepaws.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DEpart + exMIT' = to send yourself out of a position.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOLDING IS CONTROLLING; to demit is to release control.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'демит' (non-existent). Do not confuse with 'emit' (испускать). Closest equivalent is 'уйти в отставку' or 'сложить полномочия'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'emit' (to send out).
- Using it in informal contexts.
- Incorrect past tense: 'demitted' is standard.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'demit' most accurately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, formal word. 'Resign', 'step down', or 'relinquish' are far more common.
The standard past tense and past participle is 'demitted'.
Primarily for offices or positions. In heraldry, it has a specific technical meaning related to charges on a shield.
'Demit' is more formal and often implies a specific, formal office or charge. 'Resign' is the general, everyday term.