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renounce

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /rɪˈnaʊns/

KK: /rɪˈnaʊns/

intransitive verb
Definition

To give up or reject a claim, right, or belief formally and publicly.


Example

He decided to renounce his title and live a simpler life.


Tense Forms

Past: renounced

Past Participle: renounced


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear that Mike decided to renounce his poker night?
Sloth B
Yeah, I heard he wants to focus more on work now.
Sloth A
It's a shame because we always had a great time playing together.
Sloth B
True, but I guess some things have to take a back seat.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
revoke
abjure
reject
Antonyms
accept
embrace
retain
noun
Definition

To give up or reject a claim, right, or belief formally and publicly.


Example

He decided to renounce his citizenship in order to move abroad.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see that player had to renounce his last card in the game?
Sloth B
Yeah, that was a bold move!
Sloth A
I couldn't believe he would renounce such a powerful card.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To formally give up or reject something, such as a claim, title, or belief.


Example

He decided to renounce his claim to the throne.


Tense Forms

Past: renounced

Past Participle: renounced


Conversation
Sloth A
I heard you're thinking of renounceing your membership at the club.
Sloth B
Yeah, I've been feeling like it's not worth my time anymore.
Sloth A
That makes sense, sometimes you just have to renounce what doesn't fit your life.
Root Explanation

Renounce → It is formed from "re-" (meaning back or again) and "nuntiare" (meaning to announce). The word "renounce" means to announce back or to formally give up a claim or right.

Memory Tip

Think of 'announcing back' — 're-' means back, and 'nuntiare' means to announce. This helps you remember that to renounce means to formally give up something.

Visually Confused Words
enounce
reannounce
corenounce
abrenounce
rebounce
denounce
rounce
unrenounced
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Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
revoke
withdrawal
abandonment
Antonyms
affirmation
retention
acceptance
Sloth B
Exactly! I want to focus on things that really matter to me.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
relinquish
abandon
forsake
Antonyms
claim
retain
accept