abjure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abjure" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a formal renunciation or rejection of a belief, cause, or claim. Example: "After much contemplation, she decided to abjure her previous beliefs and embrace a new philosophy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not only did he abjure the cardinal's residence in the Argentinian capital for a small apartment and reject a chauffeur-driven car to travel by bus, he also told hundreds of Argentinians not to waste their money on plane tickets to Rome to see him created a cardinal by John Paul II in 2001, urging them to give it instead to the poor.

The Guardian

Some programmers may wear braces to hold their trousers up (they pair nicely with socks and sandals), but abjure them in coding for the sake of simplicity (among other reasons).Apple has found, to its detriment, that omitting braces may help explain one of the largest security flaws in the company's history and how it was missed.

The Economist

He ruled by a sword called "Joyeuse"; anathema to those good EU citizens who abjure war and adopt "Ode to Joy" as their anthem.

The Economist

America's citizenship ceremony continues to demand that candidates "renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince" despite its government's largely liberal approach to the issue.

The Economist

He wanted to modulate the action, let the plots wander, abjure the standard panel-format, and "talk about heartbreak": in other words, to write and draw for adults.

The Economist

They must abjure inflammatory language, resist overreaction and collective punishments and stand up to radicals in their midst.

The Economist

The far right in Hungary really is anti-Semitic, but in France and the Netherlands these days populists now abjure anti-Semitism, even as they denounce Muslim migrants.Moving to Israel may fulfil a religious, cultural or political longing for some Jews but it is hardly safer.

The Economist

Since 1986 he has been asking candidates for public office to sign his Taxpayer Protection Pledge, in which they abjure tax increases of any sort for ever.

The Economist

Khalid Howladar of Moody's, a rating agency, calls this "a landmark year" for Islamic finance, in that it is moving from "a very esoteric asset class to one that's more… global .Most of the world's Muslims are not so devout that they completely abjure conventional finance: even in Saudi Arabia, the assets of Islamic banks account for barely half of all banking assets.

The Economist

The Union is wrong to abjure its own liberal identity.

The Economist

The settlers are not always keen on the MST's exhortations to abjure pesticides and live communally, the authors note, but that does not lead them to question the movement's conflicting notions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "abjure", consider the context. It fits well in legal, religious, or political writing where formal language is appropriate.

Common error

Don't use "abjure" interchangeably with words like "reject" or "renounce" in informal contexts. "Abjure" carries a weight of formality and solemnity that these other words may lack. Ensure the situation warrants this level of seriousness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "abjure" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what is being renounced or rejected. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies a formal renunciation or rejection. Examples in Ludwig show objects like "violence", "allegiance", or even "errors" being abjured.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

8%

Academia

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abjure" is a transitive verb that expresses a formal and solemn renunciation or rejection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and is frequently used in formal contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. The phrase conveys a strong sense of disavowal and is often found in discussions about principles, beliefs, or loyalties. While alternatives like "renounce", "recant", and "forswear" exist, "abjure" carries a specific weight of formality that should be considered when choosing the right word. Be mindful of overusing it in informal contexts to maintain the appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

renounce

Focuses on formal rejection or giving up a claim or belief.

recant

Emphasizes the act of formally withdrawing a statement or belief.

disavow

Highlights the denial of responsibility or support for something.

forswear

Implies a solemn oath to give up or reject something.

retract

Focuses on withdrawing a statement or promise.

repudiate

Indicates a strong rejection or denial of something.

reject

A general term for refusing to accept or consider something.

disclaim

Emphasizes the denial of ownership or responsibility.

abstain from

Highlights the act of refraining from something, often voluntarily.

shun

Implies avoiding something deliberately and consistently.

FAQs

How is "abjure" typically used in a sentence?

"Abjure" is used to describe formally rejecting or disavowing a belief, cause, or claim. For example, one might "abjure violence" or "abjure allegiance" to a former leader.

What can I say instead of "abjure"?

Depending on the context, you could use "renounce", "recant", or "forswear" as alternatives to "abjure". Each carries a slightly different nuance of rejection or abandonment.

Which is correct: "abjure" or "adjure"?

"Abjure" and "adjure" have distinct meanings. "Abjure" means to renounce or reject solemnly, while "adjure" means to urge or request earnestly. Use "abjure" when the context involves formal rejection.

What's the difference between "abjure" and "waive"?

"Abjure" implies a formal and often public renunciation of something, such as a belief or right. "Waive", on the other hand, means to voluntarily give up or relinquish something, often a claim or right, but without the same sense of formal rejection.