renounce material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "renounce material" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express the idea of rejecting or giving up material possessions or wealth, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "In his quest for spiritual enlightenment, he decided to renounce material wealth and live a simpler life."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

You may tell yourself that today you are going to renounce material things.

The New York Times - Magazine

Given his nationality, the fact that he has never held high office in the Vatican, and his decision to adopt the name of St. Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan order, whose members renounce material possessions and try to live their lives as Jesus lived his, there will be great hope invested in him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It involves a successful lawyer who renounces material things and joins a monastery.

The New York Times

For Felix falls in love with Esther Lyon, a dissenting minister's daughter who has likewise renounced material and social advancement by refusing to take up her rightful place as heir to the magnificent Transome Court.

The Guardian - Books

The Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya in Bihar, India, marks the spot where Buddha renounced material wealth along with emotions like anger and envy, according to author Thubten Samphel.

Huffington Post

Predictably, the plan has been criticized by Buddhist scholars and representatives of the Dalai Lama, who has specifically spoken out about renouncing material wealth and creating a legacy of good works rather than lavish buildings.

Huffington Post

Also, while in Adrianople, Bahá'u'lláh proclaimed the Bahá'í Faith further by addressing tablets to the kings and rulers of the world asking them to accept his revelation, renounce their material possessions, work together to settle disputes, and endeavour toward the betterment of the world and its peoples.

Wikipedia

He was the first man in China to own a private jet, having made his millions selling air conditioning units, but at the age of 54 has now renounced his material possessions in favour of saving the planet.

The Guardian - Arts

As she listened to Angie misquote the Bible, Bunny took a few small steps toward the parking lot, where her old Bentley -- a gift from a former lover who had since renounced all material possessions -- was parked.

Los Angeles Times

This shocked some of the peasants and didn't sit well, apparently, with some of his friends and followers, who found the biking silly and even un-Christian: How did it square with all the renouncing of the material world that he was doing?

The New Yorker

Their schemes require them to renounce (if only temporarily) various material comforts cars, elevators, Starbucks that their neighbors take for granted.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the act of giving up material possessions, consider using more specific and clearer phrases like "reject materialism" or "abandon material possessions".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "renounce material" without specifying what exactly is being renounced. Be explicit about whether you're referring to wealth, possessions, or a materialistic lifestyle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "renounce material" functions as a verb phrase + adjective combination. The verb "renounce" indicates the act of rejecting or giving up something, and "material" specifies the nature of what is being renounced, referring to possessions or wealth. However, as Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase lacks clarity and requires more context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

12.5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "renounce material" refers to the act of giving up or rejecting material possessions and a materialistic lifestyle. However, Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is not correct and lacks clear meaning. While it appears in sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker, it is recommended to use clearer and more specific alternatives such as "reject materialism" or "abandon material possessions". The frequency of the phrase is rare, and its register is neutral, commonly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reject materialism

Focuses on rejecting the philosophy of valuing material possessions, rather than the act of giving them up.

abandon material possessions

Implies a complete and permanent giving up of material items.

forsake material wealth

Emphasizes the relinquishment of riches and affluent lifestyles.

relinquish material goods

Suggests a formal or willing surrender of possessions.

divest oneself of material things

Implies a deliberate act of getting rid of possessions, often for ethical or spiritual reasons.

eschew material comforts

Indicates a conscious avoidance of luxurious or convenient items.

give up material attachments

Highlights the act of releasing emotional connections to possessions.

renounce worldly possessions

Adds a religious or spiritual dimension to giving up material items.

reject consumerism

Focuses on opposing the culture of buying and consuming goods.

live a minimalist lifestyle

Emphasizes simplicity and reducing possessions to only what is necessary.

FAQs

What does it mean to "renounce material" things?

To "renounce material" things means to give up or reject possessions, wealth, and the pursuit of material goods, often for spiritual or ethical reasons. It suggests a shift in focus from the physical to the non-physical aspects of life.

What can I say instead of "renounce material"?

You can use alternatives like "reject materialism", "abandon material possessions", or "forsake material wealth" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "renounce material" or "renounce materialism"?

"Renounce materialism" is generally preferred as it clearly refers to the rejection of a value system focused on material possessions. "Renounce material" is less precise and requires additional context to understand what is being renounced.

What's the difference between "renounce material" and "embrace simplicity"?

"Renounce material" specifically refers to giving up or rejecting material possessions and wealth. "Embrace simplicity" is a broader term that suggests a simpler way of living that can include but isn't limited to reduced material consumption.