recant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'recant' is correct and usable in written English.
It means to take back, renounce or publicly retract a previous statement or opinion. Example: The presidential candidate recanted his previous statement when he realized it was controversial.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Luther was given 60 days upon receiving the bull to recant and another 60 days to report his recantation to Rome.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A German battalion is likely to be based in Alsace-Lorraine, a region repeatedly fought over by the two countries in the past.The pope ordered a traditionalist bishop, Richard Williamson, whom he had recently readmitted to the Catholic church, to recant on his denials of the Holocaust.

The Economist

Even after it was clear that the athletes were innocent, 87 faculty members published a letter categorically rejecting calls to recant their condemnation.

The Economist

When Egypt's culture minister casually told an interviewer that he personally considered veiling a backward practice, the ensuing public outcry forced him to recant.

The Economist

Like many influential people out of favour with the authotities and accused of being "false" messiahs, he was forced to recant on state television, confessing that he had been against the Islamic Republic's core tenets.

The Economist

Anyone who doubted that a surge in equity issuance from indebted companies is coming should recant after events in the mining industry.

The Economist

"We are Starting to Sing a New Song", Luther's first venture into the news-ballad genre, told the story of two monks who had been executed in Brussels in 1523 after refusing to recant their Lutheran beliefs.

The Economist

But also he would be a double-or-quits choice for the Tories: if, in a referendum, Britons were to vote to join he would either have to quit as leader, recant, or declare that he would campaign henceforth for withdrawal.

The Economist

They recalled how torture was routinely used to break prisoners, make them recant their religious or political beliefs, or denounce others: they described flogging, beating, being suspended in the air by their arms twisted behind their backs, made to sit blindfolded for months in tiny boxes known as "coffins" and being tortured in front of their children or spouses.

The Economist

Ego plays a part: Mr Balls struggles to recant very much from his time at the Treasury, including Labour's lavish spending before the downturn.

The Economist

At least on doctrinal matters, he will have no harsh words to recant.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recant" when you want to emphasize a formal and often public withdrawal of a previously held belief or statement. It's particularly apt in contexts involving religion, politics, or strongly held opinions.

Common error

Avoid using "recant" when a simple apology or correction is sufficient. "Recant" implies a significant shift in belief, not just an acknowledgement of a minor mistake.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "recant" is as a verb. It signifies the act of formally and publicly withdrawing or renouncing a statement or belief. As Ludwig shows, it's commonly used when someone is pressured to disavow a previous stance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "recant" is a verb used to describe the formal and public withdrawal of a previously held belief or statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in news, encyclopedias, and formal contexts. Its proper usage involves emphasizing a significant shift in belief, not a simple correction. Related terms include "retract" and "withdraw", each with slightly different connotations. Remember to use "recant" when the context involves a weighty change of heart, and avoid it for minor errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retract

Similar in meaning but often implies a more formal withdrawal of a statement.

withdraw

A more general term for taking something back, which can include statements or opinions.

disavow

Implies a denial of responsibility or connection to a previous statement or action.

repudiate

Suggests a strong rejection or denial of something, often a belief or principle.

take back

A more informal way of saying to withdraw a statement.

disclaim

To formally deny or reject a claim or responsibility.

renege

Specifically refers to failing to honour a commitment or agreement.

reverse

To change to an opposite direction, position, or course of action, sometimes implying a change of mind.

nullify

To make legally void or inoperative, as with a contract or agreement.

unsay

An informal term for retracting or taking back something spoken.

FAQs

How to use "recant" in a sentence?

You can use "recant" to describe someone formally withdrawing a statement or belief. For example, "The defendant was pressured to "recant" their testimony."

What can I say instead of "recant"?

You can use alternatives like "retract", "withdraw", or "disavow" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "recant" and "retract"?

"Recant" implies a formal and often public withdrawal of a belief, while "retract" generally refers to withdrawing a statement.

Is it acceptable to "recant" a scientific theory?

Yes, scientists might ""recant"" a theory if new evidence contradicts it, although the term "revise" or "abandon" might be more commonly used in that specific context.