English vocabulary · C1
Renounce
/rɪˈnaʊns/ · v.
To renounce something is to say clearly that you will not keep it or follow it anymore. You choose to leave it behind.
Continue in the learning app for video lessons and review.
Example sentences
- She renounced her claim in court.
- Peace followed when he renounced violence.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- re — back (from Latin)
- nounce — report (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- REJECT — say no to something (Clear Refusal)
- QUIT — stop doing something (Stop Choosing)
- FORGO — choose not to have (Choose Without)
Words with the same root
nounce — report
- announce — make news known
- pronounce — say a word
- denounce — speak against
Lesson notes
To renounce something is to say clearly that you will not keep it or follow it anymore. You choose to leave it behind.
Related: reject, quit, forgo. Use renounce when you give up rights.
She renounced her claim in court. Peace followed when he renounced violence.
From Latin. Re- means back; nounce means report. Renuntiare became English renounce: report back, give up rights.