renunciation

What does “renunciation” mean?

noun.the formal rejection of something, typically a belief, claim, or course of action.

SAT Usage

this term is often found in passages discussing philosophy, ethics, or personal development, emphasizing a significant and deliberate choice to abandon a previously held belief or practice. It underscores a profound transformation or moral conviction, distinguishing itself from mere rejection by highlighting the seriousness and intentionality behind the decision.

Common Confusions

Renunciation implies a formal and intentional rejection of a belief or practice, while abandonment usually suggests a more casual or passive act of leaving something behind without the same level of commitment.

Example Sentences

• The President's renunciation of the treaty has upset Congress.

• The bishop's renunciation was on account of his ill health.

• Her renunciation of the title shocked the court.

Word Parts: How to Remember “renunciation”

Break “renunciation” into its parts: re- (again, back). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: re- again, back (Latin)