resign
B2formal (in job context), neutral (in abstract acceptance context)
Definition
Meaning
To voluntarily leave a job or position.
To accept something undesirable but inevitable; to formally give up a right or title.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb has two distinct, etymologically separate meanings: 1) To quit a job (from Latin resignare 'unseal, cancel'). 2) To accept reluctantly (from Latin resignare, influenced by French résigner). This creates a potential false friend with words like 're-sign' (sign again).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling is 'resign' in both. In the UK, 'hand in one's notice' is a very common alternative phrase. In the US, 'turn in one's resignation' is equally common.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in British English when referring to leaving a job. The phrasal verb 'resign from' is slightly more common in American English.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NP resign (from NP)NP resign as NPNP resign oneself to NP/V-ingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “resign oneself to fate”
- “resign to the dustbin of history”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The CEO will resign following the merger.
Academic
The minister was forced to resign after the scandal.
Everyday
He resigned from his teaching job to travel.
Technical
The trustee must resign upon conflict of interest.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She decided to resign her directorship.
- The MP resigned amid the expenses scandal.
- You must resign yourself to the inevitable delay.
American English
- He resigned from the board last week.
- The coach resigned after the losing season.
- She was resigned to the fact that plans had changed.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My boss resigned yesterday.
- She resigned from her job.
- The manager resigned after the company lost money.
- He resigned from the committee.
- Facing mounting pressure, the minister had no choice but to resign.
- She resigned herself to waiting another hour for the delayed flight.
- The chairman was compelled to resign following the internal investigation.
- With a sigh of resignation, he resigned himself to the tedious bureaucratic process.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone writing 'SIGN' on a letter, then putting 'RE-' in front of it to mean 'sign again'... but wait, that's 're-sign'. To remember 'resign' (quit), think: 'RElinquish your SIGNature position'.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEAVING A POSITION IS SURGIVING A BATTLE (e.g., 'forced to resign', 'resigned his command'); ACCEPTING FATE IS BENDING UNDER WEIGHT (e.g., 'resigned to her fate').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'резать' (to cut).
- The reflexive 'resign oneself to' is often mistranslated as simple 'agree'.
- Beware of false friend with 're-sign' (подписать снова).
Common Mistakes
- He resigned his job (UK: less common, US: acceptable) vs. He resigned from his job.
- Confusing 'resign' (quit) with 're-sign' (sign again) in speech and writing.
- Incorrect preposition: 'resign to' a job instead of 'resign from'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'resign' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Resign' is more formal and typically used for professional, official, or appointed positions. 'Quit' is more general and informal, used for any job or activity.
It is pronounced /rɪˈzaɪn/, with the stress on the second syllable. It rhymes with 'design'.
It means to accept something unpleasant that you cannot change, often with a sense of reluctant submission. E.g., 'He resigned himself to a long wait.'
Yes, it is a homograph with 're-sign' (to sign a contract again). Context and sometimes a hyphen clarify the meaning.
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A2 · 49 words · Jobs, professions and the world of work.