What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
relinquished
Example
He relinquished his hold on the rope and fell into the water. [relinquished: verb]
Example
The company relinquished its ownership of the property to the government. [relinquished: past participle]
renounce
Example
He renounced his allegiance to the political party and became an independent. [renounced: verb]
Example
The athlete renounced his medal after admitting to cheating. [renounced: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Relinquish is more commonly used in everyday language than renounce. Relinquish is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while renounce is less common and often reserved for more formal or significant situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between relinquished and renounce?
Renounce is generally considered more formal than relinquish and is often used in legal or religious contexts. While relinquish can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it is typically associated with a more neutral or casual tone.
