What is revoke? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of revoke

revokeverb

/rɪˈvəʊk//rɪˈvəʊk/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "revoke." It can be tricky for some! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈrɪˌvōk (pronounced: rih-voke)

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈrih: This part sounds like "reh" – like the beginning of "refresh." It's a relatively short, crisp sound.
  • ˈvōk: This part sounds like "voke." It’s a bit like the word “dock” but with a slightly more open “o” sound. Think of saying "woke" and then shortening it.

Here’s a way to hear it:

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The emphasis is on the first syllable (“rih”).
  • Vowel Sounds: The "o" in "voke" is a short "o" sound, not a long "o" like in "go."

To avoid common errors:

  • Don't say "rev-ohk." That's a frequent mistake. It’s “rih-voke.”
  • Don’t add an “ee” at the end. It shouldn’t sound like “rev-oh-k.”

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word revoke in English

Let's break down how to use the word "revoke." It's a more formal word with a specific meaning.

What does "revoke" mean?

"Revoke" means to officially take back or cancel something that was previously granted, issued, or allowed. It’s about nullifying a previous action or permission. Think of it as reversing something.

Here's a breakdown of how to use it with examples:

1. Formal Situations – Licenses, Permits, Titles, etc.:

  • Most Common Usage: This is where “revoke” is most frequently used. It’s often used in official contexts.

    • Example 1: “The driving license was revoked due to reckless driving.” (The license was previously granted, now it's being taken back.)
    • Example 2: “The city council voted to revoke the building permit.” (The permit was previously issued, now it’s being cancelled.)
    • Example 3: “The university revoked his degree after discovering academic misconduct.” (The degree was previously awarded, now it's being retracted.)
    • Example 4: “The company revoked his stock options.” (The options were previously granted, now they're being cancelled.)

2. Contracts and Agreements:

  • “Revoke” can be used to cancel a contract, but it’s often superseded by words like “terminate” or “cancel” in everyday contexts.

    • Example: “The bank revoked the loan agreement due to the borrower's financial difficulties.”

3. Rights and Privileges (Less Common, but Important):

  • It can also refer to taking away a right or privilege.

    • Example: “The judge revoked his parole after he was arrested for a new crime.” (His right to be out of prison was taken away.)

Key Points to Remember:

  • Formal Tone: “Revoke” is a formal word. It’s generally not suitable for casual conversation. "Cancel" or "take back" are often better choices in informal settings.
  • Official Action: It implies a deliberate and official action by someone with authority (a government agency, a court, an organization, etc.).
  • Previous Existence: The thing being revoked must have previously existed. You can't "revoke" something that never existed in the first place.

Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Cancel
  • Withdraw
  • Nullify
  • Annul
  • Retract
  • Take back
  • Disallow

Let's test your understanding:

Which of these sentences uses "revoke" correctly?

a) “She revoked her invitation to the party.” b) “The police revoked his driver’s license.” c) “He revoked his promise to help.”

Answer: b) “The police revoked his driver’s license.” (This is the most common and correct usage of “revoke” – a law enforcement agency taking back a license.)

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain how "revoke" differs from other related words (like "cancel")?
  • Create a sentence using "revoke" focusing on a specific context (e.g., a business situation)?

Synonyms for the word revoke

Practice with vocabulary revoke

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Failure to comply with the new safety regulations could lead to the authorities deciding to ______ your operating license.
  2. Due to the unexpected technical issues, the board meeting has been ______ until next week.
  3. The company threatened to ______ the job offer if the candidate failed the background check.
  4. The legal team was tasked with reviewing and ______ the contract before final signing.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following actions signifies the official withdrawal of a previously granted right or permission? a) Endorse b) Grant c) Revoke d) Validate

  2. What can be officially cancelled or withdrawn due to a violation or changed circumstances? a) A driver's license b) A job offer c) A legislative act d) A personal opinion e) An access badge

  3. The city council decided to ______ the controversial new ordinance after widespread public outcry. a) Enact b) Amend c) Repeal d) Implement e) Revoke

  4. To ______ the impact of the economic downturn, the government introduced several stimulus packages. a) Accelerate b) Exacerbate c) Mitigate d) Amplify

  5. Before approving the loan, the bank's internal auditors will thoroughly ______ all financial documents. a) Disregard b) Scrutinize c) Overlook d) Fabricate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The company announced that they would no longer honor the discount program for new customers. Rewrite: The company announced its decision to ______ the discount program for new customers.

  2. Original: The doctor's medical license was taken away due to his professional misconduct. Rewrite: His professional misconduct led to the ______ of the doctor's medical license.

  3. Original: The manager decided to end the project because it was no longer financially viable. Rewrite: The manager decided to ______ the project because it was no longer financially viable.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. revoke
  2. postponed
  3. revoke
  4. amend

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Revoke
  2. a) A driver's license, b) A job offer, c) A legislative act, e) An access badge
  3. c) Repeal, e) Revoke
  4. c) Mitigate
  5. b) Scrutinize

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company announced its decision to revoke the discount program for new customers.
  2. His professional misconduct led to the revocation of the doctor's medical license.
  3. The manager decided to terminate the project because it was no longer financially viable.

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