Definitions
- Describing the act of taking back or withdrawing a statement or belief previously made. - Referring to retracting a confession or testimony given under oath. - Talking about renouncing or disavowing a previously held opinion or position.
- Referring to the act of revoking or cancelling a law, policy, or decision previously made. - Describing the reversal of a contract or agreement previously entered into. - Talking about the withdrawal of an offer or proposal previously made.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words involve undoing or reversing a previous action.
- 2Both words are used in formal contexts such as legal or business settings.
- 3Both words imply a change in position or decision previously made.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Recant is typically used to refer to retracting a statement or belief, while rescind is used to refer to revoking a law, policy, or decision.
- 2Authority: Rescind implies a higher level of authority, such as a government or organization, while recant can be done by an individual.
- 3Timing: Recant usually refers to retracting a statement or belief after it has been made public, while rescind can be done before or after a decision has been implemented.
- 4Connotation: Recant can imply regret or remorse for a previous statement or belief, while rescind may not carry the same emotional weight.
- 5Usage: Recant is less commonly used than rescind in everyday language and is more specific in its meaning.
Remember this!
Recant and rescind both refer to undoing or reversing a previous action or decision. However, recant is typically used to refer to retracting a statement or belief, while rescind is used to refer to revoking a law, policy, or decision. Additionally, recant implies regret or remorse, while rescind may not carry the same emotional weight.