self-renunciation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary, Academic, Religious
Quick answer
What does “self-renunciation” mean?
The act or practice of rejecting or sacrificing one's own desires, interests, or will, often for moral, religious, or spiritual reasons.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or practice of rejecting or sacrificing one's own desires, interests, or will, often for moral, religious, or spiritual reasons.
A principle or philosophy of denying oneself pleasure, comfort, or personal advantage as a form of discipline, devotion, or ethical commitment. It can also refer to the formal relinquishment of a right, title, or claim.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare and formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly associated with religious asceticism (e.g., monastic life), philosophical stoicism, and high moral principle.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general usage. More likely encountered in theological, philosophical, or literary texts than in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “self-renunciation” in a Sentence
N of self-renunciationV (practice/demand/require) self-renunciationAdj (complete/radical) self-renunciationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-renunciation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The monk strove to self-renunciate all worldly attachments.
- Her philosophy required her to self-renunciate daily.
American English
- The practice demands that you self-renunciate personal ambition.
- He attempted to self-renunciate his inherited wealth.
adverb
British English
- He lived self-renunciatorily, owning almost nothing.
- She gave self-renunciatorily to the cause.
American English
- He acted self-renunciatorily, turning down the promotion.
- They distributed the funds self-renunciatorily among the team.
adjective
British English
- He followed a self-renunciatory path of meditation.
- The community was built on self-renunciatory principles.
American English
- Her self-renunciatory lifestyle was admired by few.
- They adopted a self-renunciatory ethic for the project.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Concepts like 'sacrifice' or 'team-first mentality' are used instead.
Academic
Used in philosophy, theology, religious studies, and ethics to discuss ascetic practices, Kantian morality, or critiques of individualism.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound overly formal or archaic.
Technical
In legal contexts, can refer to the formal relinquishment of a right or claim by an individual.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-renunciation”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-renunciation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-renunciation”
- Misspelling as 'self-renounciation'.
- Using it to describe simple politeness or modest behaviour.
- Confusing it with 'self-resignation' (giving up).
- Using it in informal contexts where 'self-sacrifice' or 'unselfishness' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Humility is an attitude of modesty regarding one's importance. Self-renunciation is an active practice or principle of denying one's own desires or interests, which may stem from humility but is a more extreme and deliberate discipline.
It is typically framed as a positive virtue within specific religious, ethical, or philosophical systems that value sacrifice, discipline, or transcendence of the self. Outside those systems, it may be viewed negatively as self-punishment or a rejection of healthy self-interest.
'Self-sacrifice' typically refers to giving up something valuable for the sake of others or a cause, often in a specific, heroic instance. 'Self-renunciation' is broader, denoting a general principle or sustained practice of denying the self and its desires, which may or may not directly benefit others.
No, it is a high-register, formal word primarily found in academic, religious, or literary contexts. In everyday language, people use simpler terms like 'self-denial' or 'sacrifice'.
The act or practice of rejecting or sacrificing one's own desires, interests, or will, often for moral, religious, or spiritual reasons.
Self-renunciation is usually formal, literary, academic, religious in register.
Self-renunciation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌself rɪˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌself rɪˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take the vow of self-renunciation”
- “A path paved with self-renunciation”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SELF-RENUNCIATION = Saying 'no' (renouncing) to your SELF. It's the ultimate 'No, thank you' to your own desires.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELF IS A BURDEN TO BE RELINQUISHED. DESIRES ARE ENEMIES TO BE CONQUERED. VIRTUE IS A PATH OF LOSS (of self).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the term 'self-renunciation' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?