renunciate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C1/C2 level)Formal, Literary, Religious/Spiritual contexts
Quick answer
What does “renunciate” mean?
A person who renounces worldly pursuits or possessions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who renounces worldly pursuits or possessions; a person who has formally renounced a position, title, or belief.
Can refer to someone who practices renunciation as a spiritual discipline (e.g., a monk, ascetic). In legal contexts, less commonly used as a verb meaning 'to renounce', though this is considered rare and non-standard.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British texts discussing Indian asceticism or monastic traditions.
Connotations
Strongly connotes formal, often religious or philosophical renunciation (e.g., a Buddhist or Hindu renunciate).
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, with marginal use outside specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “renunciate” in a Sentence
N/A (Primarily a noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “renunciate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Avoid: Non-standard) The heir was expected to renunciate the throne. (Use 'renounce')
American English
- (Avoid: Non-standard) She chose to renunciate her citizenship. (Use 'renounce')
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The renunciate lifestyle demands great discipline.
American English
- He followed a renunciate path, owning almost nothing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, anthropology, and philosophy to describe figures who practice renunciation.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would be misunderstood by most general audiences.
Technical
Used in specific religious/spiritual terminology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “renunciate”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “renunciate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “renunciate”
- Using 'renunciate' as a verb (e.g., 'He renunciated his claim'). Use 'renounced'.
- Overusing or misapplying to anyone who gives up something minor.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but primarily as a noun meaning 'one who renounces', especially in spiritual contexts. Using it as a verb (to renunciate) is non-standard; use 'to renounce'.
'Renouncer' is a more general, active agent noun (one who renounces). 'Renunciate' has a more formal, institutional, or spiritual connotation, often implying a permanent state or vow.
Yes, but only in relevant fields (e.g., religious studies) to describe a specific type of ascetic. In general academic writing, it is too obscure.
It is extremely uncommon in both. It is a specialized term most readers would not know.
A person who renounces worldly pursuits or possessions.
Renunciate is usually formal, literary, religious/spiritual contexts in register.
Renunciate: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈnʌn.si.ət/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈnʌn.si.ət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A RENUNCIATE is someone who ate (suffix -ate) their old life and RENOUNCED it.'
Conceptual Metaphor
RENUNCIATION IS A JOURNEY / A PATH (The renunciate walks the path of detachment).
Practice
Quiz
Which word is the standard, correct verb form?