Renunciation vs. Renounce — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 5, 2024
Renunciation is the act or process of formally rejecting something, while renounce involves the action of declaring one's abandonment of a right, position, or possession.
Difference Between Renunciation and Renounce
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Renunciation refers to the formal or official act of giving up or rejecting a claim, right, or possession, often with a sense of finality or permanence. It's a noun that encapsulates the process or state of renouncing. On the other hand, renounce is a verb that describes the action of formally declaring one’s intention to give up or reject something, such as a title, position, practice, or belief.
Renunciation can imply a broader, sometimes spiritual or philosophical rejection of certain values, practices, or worldly possessions, suggesting a comprehensive or profound commitment to this change. Conversely, to renounce something can be a singular, specific action or decision, such as renouncing a citizenship, a legal right, or a personal connection.
The context in which both terms are used can significantly differ. Renunciation is often associated with religious or spiritual paths where individuals forsake worldly pleasures or attachments for spiritual growth. Renounce, however, is frequently used in legal, political, or personal contexts where the focus is on the act of rejecting a specific aspect, right, or affiliation.
The emotional or psychological weight of renunciation is typically greater than that of renounce. Renunciation suggests a deep, often personal or spiritual decision that affects one's way of life or belief system, whereas renounce might be used for both profound and more mundane disavowals.
Both renunciation and renounce stem from a decision to reject or disown, but renunciation is the state or outcome of that decision, and renounce is the act itself.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Verb
Definition
The act or process of rejecting or giving up something formally.
To formally declare one’s abandonment or rejection of something.
Context
Often used in spiritual, philosophical, or broad life decisions.
Commonly found in legal, political, or specific personal decisions.
Emotional Weight
Implies a deep, sometimes spiritual commitment.
Can vary, but often less profound than renunciation.
Examples
- His renunciation of worldly possessions was admired by many.
- She decided to renounce her citizenship for political reasons.
Compare with Definitions
Renunciation
A declaration that one will no longer engage in or support a particular practice or belief.
His renunciation of violent protest was published in several newspapers.
Renounce
In a religious or spiritual sense, to reject worldly or sinful practices.
She renounced her previous lifestyle in favor of a more spiritual path.
Renunciation
The formal rejection of something, typically a claim, right, or possession.
The monk's renunciation of material wealth is a testament to his faith.
Renounce
To reject or disown a person or relation.
After the scandal, many of his former allies quickly renounced him.
Renunciation
In spiritual contexts, the act of giving up worldly pleasures for a higher purpose.
The renunciation involved in her spiritual journey was profound.
Renounce
To formally declare one's intention to give up or reject a title, position, or affiliation.
He renounced his claim to the throne in a public statement.
Renunciation
The act of resigning from a position or office.
The CEO's renunciation was effective immediately, surprising many in the industry.
Renounce
To abandon, usually by formal declaration, one's rights or claims.
The inventor renounced all claims to the patent for the greater good.
Renunciation
Legal or official disownment of a right or title.
The prince's renunciation of his royal title shocked the nation.
Renounce
To disown or turn away from a belief, practice, or way of life.
They renounced their previous support for the policy after learning its consequences.
Renunciation
Renunciation (or renouncing) is the act of rejecting something, especially if it is something that the renunciant has previously enjoyed or endorsed. In religion, renunciation often indicates an abandonment of pursuit of material comforts, in the interests of achieving spiritual enlightenment.
Renounce
To give up (a title or possession, for example), especially by formal announcement.
Renunciation
The act or an instance of renouncing
The renunciation of all earthly pleasures.
Renounce
To decide or declare that one will no longer adhere to (a belief or position); reject.
Renunciation
A declaration in which something is renounced.
Renounce
To decide or declare that one will no longer engage in (a practice) or use (something)
Renounce violence.
Renunciation
The act of rejecting or renouncing something as invalid.
The President's renunciation of the treaty has upset Congress.
Renounce
To disclaim one's association with (a person or country, for example).
Renunciation
The resignation of an ecclesiastical office.
The bishop's renunciation was on account of his ill health.
Renounce
To give up, relinquish, or reject something.
Renunciation
(law) The act by which a person abandons a right acquired, but without transferring it to another.
Renounce
(card games) An act of renouncing.
Renunciation
(Christianity) In the Anglican baptismal service, the part in which the candidate in person or by his sureties renounces the Devil and all his works.
Renounce
(transitive) To give up, resign, surrender.
To renounce a title to land or to a throne
Renunciation
The act of renouncing.
Renounce
(transitive) To cast off, repudiate.
Renunciation
Formal declination to take out letters of administration, or to assume an office, privilege, or right.
Renounce
(transitive) To decline further association with someone or something, disown.
Renunciation
Rejecting or disowning or disclaiming as invalid;
Congressional repudiation of the treaty that the President had negotiated
Renounce
(transitive) To abandon, forsake, discontinue (an action, habit, intention, etc), sometimes by open declaration.
Renunciation
The state of having rejected your religious beliefs or your political party or a cause (often in favor of opposing beliefs or causes)
Renounce
(intransitive) To make a renunciation of something.
Renunciation
An act (spoken or written) declaring that something is surrendered or disowned
Renounce
(intransitive) To surrender formally some right or trust.
Renunciation
The act of renouncing; sacrificing or giving up or surrendering (a possession or right or title or privilege etc.)
Renounce
To fail to follow suit; playing a card of a different suit when having no card of the suit led.
Renounce
To declare against; to reject or decline formally; to refuse to own or acknowledge as belonging to one; to disclaim; as, to renounce a title to land or to a throne.
Renounce
To cast off or reject deliberately; to disown; to dismiss; to forswear.
This world I do renounce, and in your sightsShake patiently my great affliction off.
Renounce
To disclaim having a card of (the suit led) by playing a card of another suit.
From Thebes my birth I own; . . . since no disgraceCan force me to renounce the honor of my race.
Either to die the death, or to abjureForever the society of man.
Ease would recantVows made in pain, as violent and void.
Renounce
To make renunciation.
He of my sons who fails to make it good,By one rebellious act renounces to my blood.
Renounce
To decline formally, as an executor or a person entitled to letters of administration, to take out probate or letters.
Dryden died without a will, and his widow having renounced, his son Charles administered on June 10.
Renounce
Act of renouncing.
Renounce
Give up, such as power, as of monarchs and emperors, or duties and obligations;
The King abdicated when he married a divorcee
Renounce
Leave (a job, post, post, or position) voluntarily;
She vacated the position when she got pregnant
The chairman resigned when he was found to have misappropriated funds
Renounce
Turn away from; give up;
I am foreswearing women forever
Renounce
Cast off or disown;
She renounced her husband
The parents repudiated their son
Common Curiosities
Can renunciation be a personal decision?
Yes, renunciation can be deeply personal, especially in spiritual or philosophical contexts where it reflects a significant lifestyle or belief change.
How does one renounce something?
One renounces something by making a formal declaration of abandonment or rejection, often in a legal or public manner.
Is renunciation common in religious contexts?
Yes, renunciation is particularly significant in many religious or spiritual contexts as a commitment to forsake worldly life for spiritual devotion.
Is renouncing a citizenship a form of renunciation?
Yes, renouncing citizenship is a specific act of renunciation, reflecting a formal decision to give up national affiliation.
Can organizations renounce principles or policies?
Organizations can renounce principles, policies, or affiliations, indicating a formal departure from previous positions or commitments.
Can a decision to renounce be reversed?
While the terms imply finality, decisions to renounce something can sometimes be reversed, depending on the legal or personal circumstances.
How does society view renunciation?
Society's view on renunciation can vary widely, from admiration for its perceived nobility to criticism or misunderstanding, especially when it involves forsaking widely accepted norms or benefits.
Do both terms imply a permanent decision?
Typically, yes. Both renunciation and renouncing something imply a degree of finality, though the context and specifics can vary.
What does renunciation involve?
Renunciation involves a formal or profound rejection of certain claims, rights, possessions, beliefs, or practices.
What does it mean to renounce violence?
To renounce violence means to formally reject the use or support of violent actions or strategies, often as part of a broader ethical or philosophical stance.
Can one renounce a philosophy or ideology?
Yes, one can renounce a philosophy, ideology, or belief system, often as part of a personal or public declaration of change.
How do renunciation and renounce differ in terms of action?
Renunciation is the state or process resulting from the act of renouncing, which is the direct action of declaring abandonment or rejection.
Does renunciation require public announcement?
Not always, but renunciation, especially in legal or formal contexts, often involves a public or official declaration.
Can renouncing be an emotional process?
Yes, renouncing something, especially if it's deeply held or significant, can be an emotional and sometimes difficult process.
Is there a legal process for renunciation?
In many cases, especially for citizenship or legal rights, there is a formal legal process for renunciation that must be followed.
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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.
