ENGLISH
REFERENCE

abnegation

n.
C1 Advanced US //ˌæbnɛˈɡeɪʃən// UK //ˌæbnɪɡˈeɪʃən// ab·ne·ga·tion

n. the act of giving up something you want or need, especially to help others or for a good cause.

n. the act of renouncing or giving up something, typically a personal desire or a right, for the sake of others or a higher purpose.


SIMPLE

The monk's life of abnegation was dedicated to helping the poor.

CONTEXTUAL

Her decision to leave a high-paying job for a life of abnegation surprised many of her friends.

COMPLEX

The philosopher argued that true moral integrity requires a degree of abnegation, where one must sacrifice personal comfort to uphold a universal ethical standard.

Synonyms
Origin

First attested before 1398. From Middle English abnegacioun, borrowed from Late Latin abnegātiō, from abnegō (“refuse, deny”), from ab (“off”) + negō (“deny; refuse, say no”). Compare French abnégation.

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