abdicate

USAGE SUMMARY

'abdicate' is a correct and usable word in written English.
The word 'abdicate' means to renounce or relinquish a throne, right, power, responsibility, or claim. It is usually used in a political or historical context. For example, you can use the word 'abdicate' in a sentence like this: "The King abdicated the throne and retired to a small village far away, never to be seen again."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On January 28 she had announced her intention to abdicate, and on April 30 she signed the instrument of abdication; henceforth she would be referred to as Princess Beatrix.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Targets, guidelines, and checklists allow organisations to abdicate responsibility for ensuring that they are doing the right things by simply allowing them to report they are doing things right, ticking boxes rather than delivering care.

The Guardian

"That is not like a general election where you almost abdicate responsibility to the party that you vote for [to make decisions on your behalf], they understand that they've got to get it right [in the referendum]." It's precisely this anxiety that Agnes Wilson, a volunteer at the RNLI charity shop in Dunbar, reflects when she explains her own indecision.

The Guardian

What is most frightening, however, is that both private and public media have chosen to abdicate their duty to question the state's narrative and hold officials to account.

The Guardian - Opinion

When the party finally had to abdicate power, in 1990, he accepted it without bitterness – and made his apology for martial law and past Communist regime excesses.

The Guardian

The burning question seems to be an almost biblical one: does society over-burden cops with the need to "prevent" violence, while we abdicate our responsibility to help our least fortunate to escape the conditions that breed crime?

The Guardian

Summoned to see the home secretary, Grant was told there was no truth to his report that the king was about to abdicate and that if the news had reached South Africa and then been telegraphed back to Britain, the reaction might have been "of a most serious character".

The Guardian

But, as a member of the ancien régime, the world No2 is not about to abdicate just yet.

The Guardian - Sport

A farmer may be willing to abdicate the decision on what chemicals to use, but not on what seed to plant.

The Economist

But the elimination of "dependence on foreign oil" as an economic and security bogeyman may lead the world's largest economy to abdicate responsibility for global leadership on climate change even more than it already has.

The Economist

But last April, the king announced that he would abdicate by the end of this year.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "abdicate" when referring to a formal relinquishing of power, responsibility, or a high office. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being relinquished.

Common error

Avoid using "abdicate" to describe simply giving up on a task or hobby. The word carries a formal connotation and is more appropriately used for renouncing power or responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "abdicate" is as a verb, denoting the act of formally relinquishing power or responsibility. Ludwig AI's examples show its use in contexts ranging from monarchs giving up their thrones to organizations relinquishing responsibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

33%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "abdicate" is a verb that means to formally relinquish a throne, power, or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in formal contexts. Its usage spans various domains, including news, encyclopedias, and formal writing. When aiming for semantic precision, consider using synonyms like "renounce", "relinquish", or "step down", as suggested by Ludwig. Remember to reserve "abdicate" for scenarios involving the formal abandonment of significant roles or powers, avoiding its misuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

renounce the throne

Focuses specifically on giving up a royal position.

relinquish power

Highlights the act of giving up control or authority.

step down from office

Suggests a voluntary departure from a position of authority.

resign from position

Implies a formal and often voluntary departure.

give up responsibility

Emphasizes the act of shedding duties or obligations.

waive the right

Indicates a formal renunciation of a claim or entitlement.

cede control

Highlights the transfer of authority to another party.

disclaim authority

Formally denies any claim to power or control.

withdraw from leadership

Suggests a retreat from a position of command or influence.

hand over the reins

Implies transferring control or management to someone else.

FAQs

How to use "abdicate" in a sentence?

Use "abdicate" to describe the formal act of giving up a position of power or responsibility. For example, "The king chose to "renounce the throne" and abdicate his royal duties."

What can I say instead of "abdicate"?

You can use alternatives like "relinquish power", "step down from office", or "resign from position" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "abdicate power" or "abdicate from power"?

"Abdicate power" is the more common and grammatically sound phrasing. "Abdicate" typically takes a direct object, indicating what is being relinquished. Using "abdicate from power" is less common and can sound awkward.

What's the difference between "abdicate" and "resign"?

"Abdicate" specifically refers to formally giving up a high office or position of power, often a monarchy. "Resign" is a more general term for voluntarily leaving any job or position.