renunciation
rih-nun-see-AY-shun
/rɪˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃn/
The formal act of rejecting, abandoning, or giving up something, such as a claim, belief, or worldly possessions.
In Eastern traditions, renunciation (Sannyasa) is the ultimate letting go of worldly ambition to seek spiritual liberation.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'renuntiare', combining 're-' (back, away) and 'nuntiare' (to report or declare). Literally 'announcing back' or publicly declaring that one is walking away from a pledge or possession.
Word relationships
- relinquishment: Relinquishment emphasizes giving up possession or control, whereas renunciation stresses moral or spiritual rejection.
- repudiation: Repudiation emphasizes forceful rejection or denial of validity.
- claiming: Claiming is asserting ownership or right.
- adoption: Adoption is taking up or accepting formal responsibility.
Commonly confused with
- renouncement: Renouncement is a synonym, but renunciation is much more common in formal philosophical and historical literature.
Word family
- renounce (verb): To formally declare one's abandonment of
- renunciant (noun): A person who has renounced worldly life
Collocations
- formal renunciation
- act of renunciation
- renunciation of wealth
- total renunciation
Idioms & expressions
- turning one's back on
Example sentences
- "The Great Renunciation occurred when Prince Siddhartha left his palace and royal privileges behind." Biography of the Buddha
- "The king's formal renunciation of the throne paved the way for a peaceful democratic republic." Political History
Memory hook
RE-NUNCIATION = ANNOUNCING that you walk AWAY. Declare and let go.
When not to use
Do not use for a simple polite refusal of an invitation; it implies a formal or deep abandonment of rights or attachments.
Fun facts
- In ancient India, the fourth stage of life in Vedic tradition was 'Sannyasa', a period of complete worldly renunciation devoted entirely to spiritual pilgrimage.
Related words
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