abnegation

Noun

UK: /ˌæb.nɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/

US: /ˌæb.nɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/


Definition

Abnegation means giving up something you want to help someone else.

Abnegation means giving up something you want or need for someone else or for a bigger reason.

Abnegation refers to the act of renouncing or rejecting something, particularly a personal interest or desire, for the sake of a higher cause or the benefit of others.

Examples and Usage

▶️ Giving Up Something for Others

Example: His abnegation of candy showed how much he cared about his friend’s health.

  • Explanation: In this sentence, "abnegation" means he gave up candy because he wanted to support his friend’s health.

Example: She showed abnegation by sharing her toys with the new kid in class.

  • Explanation: Here, "abnegation" means she gave up some of her playtime by sharing her toys.

Example: She showed abnegation by giving her cookie to her friend.

  • Explanation: In this sentence, "abnegation" means she gave her cookie to her friend instead of eating it herself.

Example: He showed abnegation by letting his little brother play with his favorite toy.

  • Explanation: Here, "abnegation" means he let his little brother play with his favorite toy, even though he wanted to play with it.

▶️ Renouncing Personal Interests

Example: His abnegation of luxury for the sake of helping the poor earned him great respect.

  • Explanation: In this sentence, "abnegation" means he gave up a luxurious lifestyle to help those in need.

Example: Her abnegation of her career to take care of her family shows her selflessness.

  • Explanation: Here, "abnegation" means she gave up her professional ambitions to focus on her family’s needs.

How to Use "Abnegation"

When talking about giving up something for a good reason:

☑️Example: She showed abnegation by sharing her crayons with a new friend.

  • Subject: She
  • Predicate: showed abnegation by sharing her crayons with a new friend
    • "abnegation" (noun meaning giving up)
    • "sharing her crayons" (verb phrase describing the action)

☑️Example: He showed abnegation by giving up his turn on the swing for his sister.

  • Subject: He
  • Predicate: showed abnegation by giving up his turn on the swing for his sister
    • "abnegation" (noun meaning giving up)
    • "giving up his turn on the swing" (verb phrase describing the action)

☑️Example: His abnegation of playing video games helped his sister study better.

  • Subject: His
  • Predicate: abnegation of playing video games helped his sister study better
    • "abnegation" (noun meaning giving up)
    • "of playing video games" (describes what he gave up)

☑️Example: Her abnegation of extra snacks showed how much she wanted to help her friend.

  • Subject: Her
  • Predicate: abnegation of extra snacks showed how much she wanted to help her friend
    • "abnegation" (noun meaning giving up)
    • "of extra snacks" (describes what she gave up)

Detailed Usage

When discussing the act of giving up personal desires or interests:

☑️Example: The monk’s abnegation of worldly pleasures is a testament to his spiritual devotion.

  • Subject: The monk’s
  • Predicate: abnegation of worldly pleasures is a testament to his spiritual devotion
    • "abnegation" (noun meaning renouncing)
    • "of worldly pleasures" (describes what he gave up)

☑️Example: The leader’s abnegation of personal gain for the welfare of the community was widely admired.

  • Subject: The leader’s
  • Predicate: abnegation of personal gain for the welfare of the community was widely admired
    • "abnegation" (noun meaning renouncing)
    • "of personal gain" (describes what was given up)

More Examples

☑️Example: He practiced abnegation by letting his brother choose the TV show.

  • Explanation: He gave up his turn to let his brother pick what to watch.

☑️Example: She showed abnegation by donating her birthday money to charity.

  • Explanation: She gave up her birthday money to help others.

☑️Example: The soldier’s abnegation of comfort and safety for the sake of duty is truly heroic.

  • Explanation: The soldier gave up personal comfort and safety to fulfill his duties.

☑️Example: Her abnegation of time and energy to volunteer at the shelter made a significant impact on the community.

  • Explanation: She dedicated her time and energy, foregoing other activities, to help at the shelter.

☑️Example: The scientist’s abnegation of a lucrative career in the private sector for academic research reflects his dedication to knowledge.

  • Explanation: The scientist chose less financially rewarding academic research over a high-paying job in the private sector to pursue his passion for knowledge.

☑️Example: She showed abnegation by letting her friend have the last piece of cake.

  • Explanation: She let her friend have the last piece of cake, even though she wanted it.

☑️Example: He showed abnegation by letting his brother sit in the front seat of the car.

  • Explanation: He let his brother sit in the front seat, even though he wanted to sit there.

Contextual Notes

"Abnegation" is often used in formal contexts to describe a conscious choice to give up personal desires, comforts, or interests, typically for ethical, moral, or altruistic reasons. It signifies a high level of self-discipline and commitment to a greater good.



Synonyms & Similar Words

Self-denial Sacrifice Renunciation Self-abnegation

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Self-indulgence Selfishness Indulgence Self-centeredness