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.
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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.