Renounce
/rɪˈnaʊns/
verbB2
Definition
Renounce means to give up or reject something formally and clearly. It often involves saying out loud or in writing that you will no longer follow a rule, belief, title, or responsibility. It is a strong decision, usually serious and public.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
To officially give up a right, title, or position
- •The prince renounced his claim to the throne.
- •She renounced her citizenship to live in another country.
- •He renounced his royal title during the ceremony.
To reject or refuse to accept a belief, idea, or behavior
- •They renounced violence and chose peace instead.
- •The politician renounced his earlier statements.
- •She renounced her former lifestyle after the experience.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "renounce" like "give up" (A1 word), but more formal and official—like saying it clearly to others, not just stopping quietly.
- ✓Picture someone standing in front of a group and saying, "I no longer want to be king," showing a clear choice.
- ✓It's the feeling when you decide to leave a club or stop believing in an idea and tell everyone about it.
- ✓Sounds like "re-NOUNCE" → imagine announcing again ("re-announce") that you are stopping something important.
- ✓In stories, characters sometimes renounce their powers or family to start a new life.
- ✓NOT like "quit" (which can be informal or private), "renounce" is formal and often public.
- ✓NOT like "reject" (which can be quick or emotional), "renounce" is a careful, official decision.
- ✓NOT like "give up" (which can be temporary or weak), "renounce" is strong and permanent.
Try Other Words
- •Abdicate: to give up a throne or power (Use when talking about kings, queens, or leaders giving up their position)
- •Reject: to refuse to accept or believe something (Use when focusing on refusing ideas or offers)
- •Forsake: to leave or stop supporting something (Use in more emotional or poetic contexts)
- •Resign: to leave a job or position (Use when leaving work or official roles)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: "re-" meaning "again" or "back"
- •Root: "nounce" from Latin "nuntiare" meaning "to announce" or "to declare"
- •Etymology: From Latin "renuntiare," meaning to report back or declare formally
- •Historical development: Used since the 15th century to mean formally giving up or rejecting something
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in legal, political, or formal contexts when someone gives up rights, titles, or beliefs
Reflect & Connect
•When might someone need to renounce a belief or right in real life? Have you ever had to give up something important?
•How does making a public renouncement differ from quietly stopping something? Why might this matter?
Fill in the blanks
1.The king decided to renounce ___ to the throne because he wanted a simple life.
2.She publicly renounced her former ___ after learning new facts.
3.When you renounce something, you usually do it ___ to make your decision clear.
4.Unlike quitting quietly, to renounce means to ___ your connection with something.
5.After the scandal, the politician renounced his earlier ___ to avoid trouble.
6.People often renounce bad habits to ___ a better lifestyle.
7.Renouncing a right is usually a ___ and permanent decision, not a temporary one.