renunciation

USAGE SUMMARY

"renunciation" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the formal act of giving up or abstaining from something, such as a belief, opinion, or privilege. For example: "John's renunciation of his political views surprised many of his constituents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

There's no reason why a magazine like ours shouldn't publish a thoughtful critique like Seldon's – or something like Jemima Khan's renunciation of Julian Assange, which also ruffled a few feathers.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is all the more true given that nobody has shown convincingly that renouncing nuclear weapons would really make the world safer.The economist and strategist Thomas Schelling has argued that a world of renunciation has no good answer to the problem of reconstitution the ability of a former nuclear power to restore its nuclear capability very quickly.

The Economist

Processes could now be set in train, he said, that would lead to the worldwide renunciation of nuclear weapons within a generation.

The Economist

For the Americans this might remove a worrying security problem in the region; for Taiwan it would involve a renunciation of its right to self-determination.

The Economist

Soon after he finished listening, Mr Lilley made a speech about the limits of the free market and the enduring role of the state, which was billed as a renunciation of Thatcherism.

The Economist

Rhode Island legalised fireworks in 2010, and will hold a referendum in November about expanding gambling.This trend is not, sadly, the result of a sudden renunciation of paternalism by state governments.

The Economist

"At the heart of professionalism is the renunciation of certain things," claims Mr Khurana.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

To produce this unnatural self-renunciation, "the whole power of education is required" (SL 4.5).

SEP

But this redemption is not annihilation; Deleuze's philosophy is not that of Lacanian-Zizekian "renunciation-extinction". In response to the Badiouan critique, we can note that one of the most promising leads for future research in discussing the relation of Badiou and Deleuze is to concentrate on the type of mathematics each thinker prefers.

SEP

Despite the fact that it is no longer legally mandatory for wives to give up their maiden names, many women adhere to this custom and perpetuate this traditional gesture of self-renunciation.

SEP

Mrs Gandhi is best known for renunciation for not taking the prime minister's post when it was in her grasp.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "renunciation" when you want to emphasize a formal or deliberate act of giving up a right, belief, or claim. For example, "His renunciation of violence marked a turning point in the conflict."

Common error

Avoid using "renunciation" interchangeably with terms like "resignation" or "abandonment" without considering the context. "Renunciation" carries a stronger implication of a formal and often public declaration of giving something up.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "renunciation" is as a noun. It refers to the act of formally rejecting or disowning something. As Ludwig indicates, it describes the action of giving up a right, belief, or possession. Examples in Ludwig highlight its use in contexts like "renunciation of violence" or "renunciation of nuclear weapons".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "renunciation" is a noun that signifies the formal act of rejecting or giving up something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the word is grammatically correct and widely used, primarily in News & Media, scientific, and formal/business contexts. The term carries a specific meaning and should be used precisely, avoiding confusion with similar terms like "resignation" or "abandonment". When writing, ensure that the context calls for a formal and often public declaration of giving something up. The examples provided by Ludwig show the breadth of its application, from political decisions to personal choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rejection of

Highlights the act of refusing or denying something

abandonment

Implies a complete and often permanent desertion or forsaking of something.

repudiation

Denotes a rejection with disapproval or condemnation.

relinquishment

Suggests the act of giving something up, often voluntarily.

rejection

Denotes a refusal to accept or consider something.

forsaking

Indicates the act of abandoning or giving up something valued.

disavowal

Implies a denial of responsibility or support for something.

giving up

A more informal way of expressing abandonment or cessation.

abdication

Specifically refers to formally giving up a position of power or responsibility.

cession

Involves the formal transfer of territory or rights.

FAQs

How to use "renunciation" in a sentence?

You can use "renunciation" to describe the act of formally rejecting or abandoning something. For example, "The politician's "renunciation of violence" surprised many."

What can I say instead of "renunciation"?

You can use alternatives like "abandonment", "rejection", or "relinquishment" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "renunciation of" or "renunciation from"?

"Renunciation" is typically followed by "of". For example, "renunciation of power", not "renunciation from power".

What's the difference between "renunciation" and "resignation"?

"Renunciation" generally implies giving up a right, belief, or claim, while "resignation" typically refers to leaving a job or position.