relinquish office

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relinquish office" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is formally giving up or resigning from a position of authority or responsibility, typically in a governmental or organizational setting. Example: "After years of dedicated service, the mayor decided to relinquish office and pursue other opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Whatever happens, Mr Estrada is not going to relinquish office.

The Economist

Jump forward to 2017, when the next president will hope to relinquish office.

The Economist

Democracy has been corroded by the army's continuing power, as well as by Mr Museveni's refusal to relinquish office.

The Economist

So great and so enduring was MGR's popularity as chief minister that when he suffered a debilitating stroke, his party could not afford to let him relinquish office.

The New York Times

President Putin will relinquish office in Russia as the end of his reign draws near.

Forbes

Russia and China have used their vetoes to protect Syria from any action by the U.N. Security Council, where Western and Arab powers had sought backing for an Arab League transition plan under which Assad would voluntarily relinquish office.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Both Services reached their post-war low point in the spring of 1933, as President Hoover relinquished office.

The New Yorker

These backwoodsmen whisper in the president's ear that if he relinquishes office he will be hauled before the International Criminal Court.

The Economist

In his 21-page brief, Mr. Reich recommended the high standard, in part because Connecticut law requires the governor to relinquish his office during an impeachment trial.

The New York Times

He said Carmody's decision to relinquish the office of chief justice while taking up a new role at the Queensland civil administrative tribunal was "a satisfactory outcome to this sad saga".

The Guardian

Persuading executives to relinquish coveted office windows was not easy, and many protested, Mr. Baccaglini said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relinquish office" in formal writing when you want to emphasize the formal act of giving up a position of authority, especially in political or organizational contexts. For more informal situations, consider alternatives like "step down" or "leave office".

Common error

Avoid using "relinquish office" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler phrases like "resign" or "step down" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relinquish office" functions as a verb phrase, typically used with a subject (the person relinquishing the office) and often followed by additional context, such as the reason for relinquishing or the recipient of the power. As stated by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "relinquish office" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing the formal act of giving up a position of authority. Ludwig confirms its validity, highlighting its presence in news and encyclopedic sources. While it's most appropriate for formal contexts, remember to opt for simpler alternatives like "step down" in casual settings. As Ludwig's examples indicate, the phrase is often used to explain political transitions or historical events. The most authoritative sources that employ this phrase are The New York Times, The Economist and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

step down from office

Focuses on the act of descending or leaving a position, often voluntarily.

resign from office

Highlights the formal act of submitting a resignation.

leave one's post

Emphasizes the departure from a designated position or duty.

cede power

Focuses on the transfer of authority or control.

vacate a position

Highlights the act of making a position empty or available.

hand over the reins

Emphasizes the transfer of control, like handing reins of a horse.

yield authority

Focuses on the act of surrendering or giving up control.

surrender leadership

Highlights the act of giving up a leadership role.

give up one's seat

Highlights the act of literally leaving one's chair of power.

transfer responsibilities

Focuses on the act of passing on duties and obligations.

FAQs

What does "relinquish office" mean?

To "relinquish office" means to formally give up or resign from a position of authority or responsibility, often in a governmental or organizational setting.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "relinquish office"?

It's appropriate to use "relinquish office" in formal contexts, such as news reports, official statements, or academic writing, when discussing someone leaving a position of power.

What can I say instead of "relinquish office"?

You can use alternatives like "step down from office", "resign from office", or "leave office" depending on the context.

Is "relinquish office" the same as "resign"?

While similar, "relinquish office" is often used in more formal or official contexts than the general term "resign". "Relinquish" emphasizes the act of formally giving up a position, whereas "resign" simply means to leave a job or office.