abnegate
abnegate — verb
- abnegatepresent simple I / you / we / they
- abnegates3rd person singular
- abnegating-ing form
- abnegatedpast simple
1. to choose not to have or do something that you enjoy, as a deliberate act of sel
to choose not to have or do something that you enjoy, as a deliberate act of self‑discipline or for a higher purpose
During Lent, Mira abnegated chocolate and social media as a personal challenge.
collocation: abnegate + pleasure / food / habit
The elderly monk had abnegated all earthly possessions decades ago.
Wei abnegated his favourite desserts after the doctor warned him about his blood sugar.
Valentina abnegated late‑night parties and rich food while training for the marathon.
Fatima abnegated sugary drinks for a month to raise money for a local library.
- forgo
more common in everyday English; less formal
- renounce
suggests a permanent or public giving up, often for ideological reasons
- abstain from
focuses on not doing something rather than not possessing it
- indulge in
to allow yourself to have or do something enjoyable
- allow oneself
the opposite of refusing oneself something
文法句型
abnegate + noun (the thing you choose to give up)
用法筆記
Very formal and literary; far more common in written texts than in everyday speech. Often describes a voluntary sacrifice for moral, religious, or health reasons.
常見錯誤
2. to say that something is not true or that you are not involved in it; or to reje
to say that something is not true or that you are not involved in it; or to reject an offer rather than accept it
Tomás abnegated all responsibility for the missing files during the company audit.
pattern: abnegate + abstract noun (responsibility / blame / knowledge)
The factory manager abnegated any knowledge of the faulty parts sold last year.
Lien abnegated the offer of a transfer, saying she preferred to stay in Taipei.
Jason abnegated the blame for the error and pointed instead to a software glitch.
The minister abnegated any involvement in the scandal when reporters questioned him.
- accept
to take something offered or admit that something is true
- acknowledge
to admit that something is true or that you are involved
文法句型
abnegate + noun (the accusation, offer, or responsibility being rejected)
用法筆記
The object is nearly always an abstract noun such as responsibility, blame, knowledge, involvement, or an offer. Less common with concrete objects.
常見錯誤
3. to voluntarily give away a formal position, legal entitlement, or authority over
to voluntarily give away a formal position, legal entitlement, or authority over something
After the revolution, the emperor abnegated the throne and went into exile.
pattern: abnegate + power / position / right
Adisa abnegated his legal claim to the estate after the divorce was finalized.
The CEO abnegated control of the company to focus on environmental projects.
Kian abnegated his seat on the board when he moved to a different country.
The committee chair abnegated her authority so a younger member could lead.
- relinquish
similar level of formality; often used for power or control
- surrender
can imply force or unwillingness, unlike 'abnegate' which suggests choice
- abdicate
specifically used for a throne or formal leadership role
- retain
to keep something rather than give it up
- hold on to
less formal; to keep possession or control
文法句型
abnegate + noun (the power, position, or right being surrendered)
用法筆記
Common with nouns like throne, power, authority, control, right, position, or seat. Suggests a deliberate, usually voluntary act rather than forced removal.