self-abnegation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “self-abnegation” mean?
The denial or rejection of one's own desires, needs, or interests.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The denial or rejection of one's own desires, needs, or interests.
A voluntary act of self-sacrifice, often for ethical, religious, or spiritual reasons, or as an expression of profound humility or devotion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. The concept is equally understood.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotations are linked to asceticism, monastic life, or extreme selflessness.
Frequency
Equally uncommon and formal in both, though it may appear slightly more often in UK publications on religion or philosophy.
Grammar
How to Use “self-abnegation” in a Sentence
His self-abnegation was admired by all.She lived a life of extreme self-abnegation.The doctrine requires constant self-abnegation.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-abnegation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He learned to abnegate his desires.
- The path required one to abnegate the self entirely.
American English
- She chose to abnegate her personal ambitions for the cause.
- The practice involves abnegating worldly pleasures.
adverb
British English
- He lived self-abnegatingly, owning almost nothing.
- She self-abnegatingly gave up her seat.
American English
- He acted self-abnegatingly, always putting others first.
- She self-abnegatingly refused any praise.
adjective
British English
- Her self-abnegating behaviour worried her friends.
- It was a life of self-abnegating devotion.
American English
- He adopted a self-abnegating lifestyle.
- Her self-abnegating attitude was seen as noble but extreme.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. Might appear metaphorically in critiques of corporate culture, e.g., 'The company's ethos demanded an unhealthy level of self-abnegation from its employees.'
Academic
Used in theology, philosophy, religious studies, and ethics to describe spiritual or ethical practices.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound highly formal or pretentious.
Technical
Used in specific theological or ascetic contexts as a technical term for a spiritual discipline.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-abnegation”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-abnegation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-abnegation”
- Misspelling as 'self-abnegition' or 'self-abnegration'.
- Pronouncing it as /self-ab-NEG-ation/ (stress on 'neg' instead of 'ga').
- Using it to mean simple politeness or casual self-denial.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is descriptive but often carries a positive or awe-inspired tone in religious/ethical contexts. In modern secular critique, it can be viewed negatively as excessive or pathological.
'Self-sacrifice' often focuses on a specific, often heroic, act for others. 'Self-abnegation' is a broader, habitual practice of self-denial that may not involve a direct beneficiary and is more about the internal state of the self.
Yes, but carefully. In psychology, it might describe a symptom of certain personality structures or religious scrupulosity, where it can pathologize what in a religious context is seen as virtuous.
Yes, 'to abnegate' (one's desires, the self). It is even rarer and more formal than the noun.
The denial or rejection of one's own desires, needs, or interests.
Self-abnegation is usually formal, literary in register.
Self-abnegation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌselfˌæbnɪˈɡeɪʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌselfˌæbnɪˈɡeɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not strongly idiomatic; often used directly]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a monk ABSTAINING (ABnegation) from all SELF-ish pleasures.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELF IS A SACRIFICE (giving up the self as an offering). THE SELF IS A BURDEN (to be denied or cast off).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'self-abnegation' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?