What is renounce? Pronunciation and usage in English

renounce means . Learn how to pronounce and use renounce through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of renounce

renounceverb

/rɪˈnaʊns//rɪˈnaʊns/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "renounce." It's a tricky word! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: It's typically broken into three syllables:

  • ren - Like the name "Ren"
  • ounce - Like the measurement "ounce" (rhymes with "once")

2. Phonetic Breakdown (approximate):

  • ren: /rɛn/ (The "r" is very subtle, almost like a silent "h" sound)
  • ounce: /aʊns/ (as in "ow" as in "how" and "ns" as in "run")

3. Putting it together:

The whole word sounds roughly like: REH-nounces

Tips for each syllable:

  • "ren": Focus on a short, crisp "eh" sound, similar to "hen." Don't overemphasize the "r."
  • "ounce": The "ow" is key. Think of the sound in "cow" or "now."

Resources for Hearing it Pronounced:

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Usage and examples with the word renounce in English

Let's break down how to use the word "renounce" in English. It's a strong word with a specific meaning.

1. Core Meaning: To formally give up or reject something.

At its heart, "renounce" means to publicly declare that you are no longer holding something. It’s often used in the context of:

  • Religious vows: This is the most traditional and common usage.
  • Political allegiances: Declaring you no longer support a party or ideology.
  • Personal commitments: Letting go of a habit, a belief, or a relationship.

2. Different Forms and Usage:

  • Renounce + a specific thing: This is the most common usage.

    • "He renounced his vows of poverty." (He publicly gave up living in poverty.)
    • "She renounced her claim to the throne." (She formally gave up her right to be queen.)
    • "The politician renounced his support for the bill." (He publicly withdrew his backing.)
    • "After years of smoking, he renounced cigarettes." (He stopped smoking and declared he wouldn’t start again.)

  • Renounce + a belief/ideology:

    • "The revolutionary renounced his faith in the monarchy." (He gave up believing in the monarchy.)
    • "Many people renounced their communist beliefs after experiencing a free market economy." (They stopped believing in communism)

  • Renounce + a relationship: (Less common, but possible)

    • “After a painful divorce, she renounced all rights to his estate.” (She gave up any claim to his money or property).

3. Key Characteristics of “Renounce”:

  • Formal: It’s a more formal word than simply saying “give up” or “reject.” It implies a deliberate, public declaration.
  • Public: Renunciation is almost always done publicly, often in a formal setting (like a church, court, or political rally).
  • Irrevocable (often): While not always, renunciation frequently suggests a permanent ending. However, it's important to note that some renouncements can be conditional.

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Abandon
  • Reject
  • Disavow
  • Forgo
  • Disclaim
  • Abstain from

5. Example Sentences Demonstrating Usage:

  • "The bishop renounced his allegiance to the corrupt church leader."
  • "After a long struggle with addiction, she decided to renounce her dependence on alcohol."
  • "The nation renounced its treaty obligations in the face of imminent invasion."

Resources for further learning:

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Synonyms for the word renounce

Practice with vocabulary renounce

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After years of legal battle, the family decided to _______ their claim to the disputed inheritance.
  2. To achieve spiritual enlightenment, some ascetics _______ all worldly possessions and attachments.
  3. Failure to submit the required documents by the deadline will result in you having to _______ your right to appeal.
  4. The activist publicly _______ the government's policies, calling them oppressive and unjust.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following actions signifies a formal giving up of a claim, right, or title? a) proclaim b) assume c) renounce d) embrace e) assert

  2. A public figure might choose to _______ a controversial past statement or belief when facing public scrutiny. (Select all that apply.) a) reaffirm b) recant c) renounce d) uphold e) repudiate

  3. To fully commit to a life of peace, former gang members often need to _______ their previous affiliations and violent ways. a) foster b) cultivate c) pursue d) renounce e) embrace

  4. When a country is defeated in war, it may be forced to _______ territory to the victorious power as part of a peace treaty. a) expand b) capture c) annex d) cede e) retain

  5. The local community leader decided to openly _______ the recent acts of vandalism in the park, urging residents to report any suspicious activity. a) condone b) commend c) praise d) denounce e) endorse

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: He made a conscious decision to give up his position on the board of directors. Rewrite using "renounce":

  2. Original: The young monarch was pressured by his advisors to formally reject his claim to the throne. Rewrite using "renounce":

  3. Original: After the merger, the smaller company had to give up control of its key patents. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "renounce"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. renounce
  2. renounce
  3. forfeit
  4. denounced

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) renounce
  2. b) recant, c) renounce, e) repudiate
  3. d) renounce
  4. d) cede
  5. d) denounce

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. He made a conscious decision to renounce his position on the board of directors.
  2. The young monarch was pressured by his advisors to renounce his claim to the throne.
  3. After the merger, the smaller company had to relinquish control of its key patents.

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