What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abdicate
Example
The king was forced to abdicate the throne due to political pressure. [abdicate: verb]
Example
The CEO decided to abdicate his position and retire after many years of service. [abdicate: verb]
resign
Example
After much consideration, I have decided to resign from my job and pursue other opportunities. [resign: verb]
Example
The coach resigned from his position following a string of losses by the team. [resigned: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Resign is more commonly used than abdicate in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be used in a variety of contexts. Abdicate is less common and is often associated with historical or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abdicate and resign?
Abdicate is a more formal word that is often used in legal or historical contexts, while resign is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
