Abjure vs. Adjure — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 27, 2023
Abjure means to renounce or reject, while Adjure means to urge or request solemnly.
Difference Between Abjure and Adjure
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Abjure and Adjure, though phonetically similar, possess distinct meanings and usages. Abjure is an act of renunciation, often relating to beliefs, causes, or claims. For instance, someone might abjure their citizenship or a particular belief. On the other hand, Adjure involves making a solemn or earnest appeal or request, often in a formal context.
In legal scenarios, someone might Abjure a right, implying a formal rejection or renunciation of that right. Conversely, a judge might Adjure a witness to tell the truth, meaning the judge is making a formal, earnest appeal to the witness to be truthful.
Both words have roots in the Latin verb "iurare," meaning "to swear," but they've taken different paths in English. While Abjure has come to signify a kind of "swearing away" or rejection of something, Adjure aligns more closely with its roots, reflecting the act of solemnly urging or entreating.
Though these words sound alike and share etymological origins, their distinct meanings ensure they occupy different spaces in the English language. When someone chooses to Abjure a belief, they are rejecting it, and when someone is Adjured to act, they are being earnestly entreated to do so.
Comparison Chart
Definition
To renounce or reject
To urge or request solemnly
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Context
Often used in the rejection of beliefs or claims
Commonly used in formal appeals or requests
Etymological Origin
From Latin "ab-" (away) + "iurare" (to swear)
From Latin "ad-" (to) + "iurare" (to swear)
Typical Usage
Renouncing rights, beliefs, or associations
Making a formal or earnest appeal
Associated Act
An act of giving up or rejecting
An act of earnestly entreating or urging
Compare with Definitions
Abjure
To renounce or reject solemnly.
She decided to abjure her previous political affiliations.
Adjure
To charge or bind as by an oath.
The priest adjured the congregation to uphold their faith.
Abjure
To abstain from or avoid.
He chose to abjure alcohol for health reasons.
Adjure
To entreat or request seriously.
The king adjured his advisors for counsel.
Abjure
To formally reject or disavow a belief.
The convert had to abjure his prior religious beliefs.
Adjure
To command or urge earnestly and solemnly.
I adjure you to tell the truth in this matter.
Abjure
To recant or retract an earlier statement.
Under pressure, he abjured his earlier testimony.
Adjure
To beseech or beg earnestly.
The residents adjured the mayor to reconsider the policy.
Abjure
Solemnly renounce (a belief, cause, or claim)
MPs were urged to abjure their Jacobite allegiance
Adjure
To appeal to in the name of something sacred.
He adjured them by all that was holy to intervene.
Abjure
To recant solemnly; renounce or repudiate
"For nearly 21 years after his resignation as Prime Minister in 1963, he abjured all titles, preferring to remain just plain 'Mr.'" (Time).
Adjure
Urge or request (someone) solemnly or earnestly to do something
I adjure you to tell me the truth
Abjure
To renounce under oath; forswear.
Adjure
To command or enjoin solemnly, as under oath
"adjuring her in the name of God to declare the truth" (Increase Mather).
Abjure
(transitive) To renounce upon oath; to forswear; to disavow.
To abjure allegiance to a prince.
To abjure the realm (to swear to abandon it forever).
Adjure
To appeal to or entreat earnestly.
Abjure
To cause one to renounce or recant.
Adjure
To issue a formal command.
Abjure
(transitive) To reject with solemnity; to abandon forever; to repudiate; to disclaim.
To abjure errors.
Adjure
(transitive) To earnestly appeal to or advise; to charge solemnly.
Party members are adjured to promote awareness of this problem.
Abjure
(transitive) To abstain from; to avoid; to shun.
Adjure
To charge, bind, or command, solemnly, as if under oath, or under the penalty of a curse; to appeal to in the most solemn or impressive manner; to entreat earnestly.
Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the Lord, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho.
The high priest . . . said . . . I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ.
The commissioners adjured them not to let pass so favorable an opportunity of securing their liberties.
Abjure
To renounce upon oath; to forswear; to disavow; as, to abjure allegiance to a prince. To abjure the realm, is to swear to abandon it forever.
Adjure
Ask for or request earnestly;
The prophet bid all people to become good persons
Abjure
To renounce or reject with solemnity; to recant; to abandon forever; to reject; repudiate; as, to abjure errors.
Adjure
Command solemnly
Abjure
To renounce on oath.
Abjure
Formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure;
He retracted his earlier statements about his religion
She abjured her beliefs
Abjure
To give up rights or claims.
She abjured her claim to the family estate.
Common Curiosities
What is the meaning of Adjure?
Adjure means to earnestly urge or request, often in a solemn manner.
What does Abjure mean?
Abjure means to renounce or reject something, often formally.
Is Abjure about giving something up?
Yes, to Abjure typically involves renouncing, rejecting, or giving something up.
Can someone Abjure their citizenship?
Yes, to Abjure citizenship means to renounce or reject it.
Are the two words related in origin?
Yes, both derive from the Latin verb "iurare," meaning "to swear."
When might someone use Adjure?
One might use Adjure when making a formal or earnest appeal or request.
If a judge tells a witness to be honest, is that Adjure?
Yes, if the judge solemnly urges the witness to be honest, they are Adjuring them.
Is Abjure always a formal act?
While Abjure often has a formal connotation, it can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Is Adjure a strong word?
Yes, Adjure carries a sense of solemnity and earnestness, making it a strong appeal.
Are these words commonly used?
While they aren't everyday words, they are used in specific contexts, especially legal or formal ones.
Can you Adjure in the name of love?
Absolutely, you can Adjure someone in the name of love, meaning to make a heartfelt appeal or request based on love.
Can beliefs be Adjured?
Typically, beliefs are Abjured (renounced) rather than Adjured (earnestly urged).
What's the opposite of Abjure?
Embrace or accept can be seen as opposites of Abjure.
Can you Adjure someone to keep a promise?
Yes, you can Adjure someone to uphold or keep a promise.
Can you Abjure a duty?
Yes, to Abjure a duty means to renounce or reject that responsibility.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
