What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sacrificing
Example
She sacrificed her own happiness to take care of her sick mother. [sacrificed: past tense]
Example
The team captain made a sacrifice by sitting out the game to give a younger player a chance to play. [sacrifice: noun]
renunciation
Example
He made a renunciation of his inheritance in order to live a simple life. [renunciation: noun]
Example
The monk practiced renunciation by living a life of poverty and celibacy. [renunciation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sacrificing is more commonly used in everyday language, while renunciation is more commonly used in religious or philosophical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sacrificing and renunciation?
Renunciation is generally considered more formal than sacrificing, as it is often used in religious or philosophical contexts and carries a more serious or weighty connotation.
