Disavow vs. Recant — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Disavow and Recant
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Compare with Definitions
Disavow
To disclaim knowledge of, responsibility for, or association with
"The American communists ... promoted Roosevelt's reelection in 1944—although Roosevelt formally disavowed their support" (Donald A. Ritchie).
Recant
Say that one no longer holds an opinion or belief, especially one considered heretical
Heretics were burned if they would not recant
Galileo was forced to recant his assertion that the earth orbited the sun
Disavow
To assert to be wrong or of little value
"After 1920 his style changed almost completely, and he disavowed his early works" (Mary V. Dearborn).
Recant
To make a formal retraction or disavowal of (a statement or belief to which one has previously committed oneself).
Disavow
(transitive) To strongly and solemnly refuse to own or acknowledge; to deny responsibility for, approbation of, and the like.
He was charged with embezzlement, but he disavows the crime.
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Recant
To make a formal retraction or disavowal of a previously held statement or belief.
Disavow
(transitive) To deny; to show the contrary of; to deny legitimacy or achievement of any kind.
Because of her dissatisfaction, she now disavows the merits of fascism.
Recant
(ambitransitive) To withdraw or repudiate a statement or opinion formerly expressed, especially formally and publicly.
Convince me that I am wrong, and I will recant.
Disavow
To refuse strongly and solemnly to own or acknowledge; to deny responsibility for, approbation of, and the like; to disclaim; to disown; as, he was charged with embezzlement, but he disavows the crime.
A solemn promise made and disavowed.
Recant
To give a new cant (slant, angle) to something, in particular railway track on a curve.
Disavow
To deny; to show the contrary of; to disprove.
Yet can they neverToss into air the freedom of my birth,Or disavow my blood Plantagenet's.
Recant
To withdraw or repudiate formally and publicly (opinions formerly expressed); to contradict, as a former declaration; to take back openly; to retract; to recall.
How soon . . . ease would recantVows made in pain, as violent and void!
Disavow
Refuse to acknowledge; disclaim knowledge of; responsibility for, or association with;
Her husband disavowed her after 30 years of marriage and six children
Recant
To revoke a declaration or proposition; to unsay what has been said; to retract; as, convince me that I am wrong, and I will recant.
Recant
Formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure;
He retracted his earlier statements about his religion
She abjured her beliefs
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