renounce
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
To formally and publicly give up, abandon, or reject something, especially a claim, title, belief, or practice.
To refuse to follow, obey, or recognize any longer; to reject or disown formally or definitively, often implying a moral or ethical repudiation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a deliberate, public, and often final decision. Often used in legal, diplomatic, and religious contexts. Carries connotations of solemnity and conscious rejection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Both varieties use it primarily in formal contexts. The derived noun 'renunciation' is equally common.
Connotations
Equally formal and serious in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English legal and political discourse, but the difference is minimal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
renounce somethingrenounce something in favour of somethingrenounce something for somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Renounce the world (to become a monk/nun/hermit)”
- “Renounce one's heritage”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Could be used in mergers: 'The company renounced its claim to the disputed patent.'
Academic
Common in political science, philosophy, and history: 'The treaty forced the state to renounce its nuclear ambitions.'
Everyday
Uncommon. Used for major life decisions: 'He renounced his inheritance to live independently.'
Technical
Legal: 'The heir executed a deed to renounce the succession.' Religious: 'The convert renounced his former faith.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was forced to renounce his peerage to stand for election to the Commons.
- The government urged the group to renounce violence unconditionally.
American English
- She renounced her U.S. citizenship before taking a diplomatic post abroad.
- The senator renounced his earlier support for the bill.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He decided to renounce his claim to the family business.
- The politician renounced the policies of the past.
- Under international pressure, the regime agreed to renounce its chemical weapons programme.
- Many converts formally renounce their former religious beliefs.
- The prince's renunciation of the throne shocked the nation.
- By signing the treaty, the state renounced any future territorial ambitions in the region.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE (again/back) + NOUNCE (speak, as in 'announce'). To 'speak back' against something, to formally declare you are giving it up.
Conceptual Metaphor
RENOUNCING IS CUTTING A TIE/THROWING AWAY A BURDEN.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from 'отрекаться', which is broader and can mean 'to deny' (e.g., Peter denied Jesus). 'Renounce' is more specific to formal/public abandonment of rights, titles, or beliefs.
- Not synonymous with 'refuse' (отказываться) in everyday contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'denounce' (to publicly condemn). 'Renounce' is about giving up; 'denounce' is about speaking against.
- Using in informal contexts where 'give up' is more appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym for 'renounce' in a legal context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Renounce' means to formally give up or reject something you own or believe. 'Denounce' means to publicly condemn or criticize something or someone.
No, it is a formal word. In everyday speech, 'give up' or 'reject' are more common.
Yes, the noun is 'renunciation' (/rɪˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃn/).
Typically, yes. It is a transitive verb (e.g., renounce violence, renounce a title).