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Everything you need to know about the definition, spelling, pronunciation, and usage of this word
If you’ve ever heard the word ‘renege’ used in a conversation but weren’t sure what it meant, don’t worry! This is your chance to get familiar with its definition. In this guide, we’ll explain the meaning of ‘renege,’ give examples of its use, and discuss its origins. Additionally, we’ll go over the correct spelling and pronunciation, so keep reading!
What exactly is the meaning of ‘renege’?
The word ‘renege’ refers to going back on one’s word, breaking a promise, or failing to uphold a commitment. For example, if you and a colleague agreed to swap shifts, but they changed their mind at the last moment, you could say they ‘reneged on the agreement.’
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Definition of 'Renege'
'Renege' refers to breaking a promise or backing out of an agreement. When someone reneges, it means they’ve failed to follow through on something they had previously committed to. The term can be used in formal situations, like business dealings (“They reneged on the deal right before it was finalized”) or in casual settings (“She reneged on her promise to give me a ride to the airport when she realized my flight was at 5 a.m.”).
- In rarer cases, 'renege' can refer to breaking the rules in a card game.
How to Use 'Renege' & Examples
- Use 'renege' when someone fails to honor a promise or agreement. Here are a few examples:
- “The university reneged on their offer of admission when they discovered he had lied on his application.”
- “He had no choice but to renege on the deal after realizing the contract was poorly drafted.”
- “Although the company promised to reimburse customers for the faulty product, they later reneged when they couldn’t secure enough funds.”
- “Voters were disappointed when he reneged on his campaign promises after taking office.”
- “Her parents had initially agreed to help pay for her schooling but had to renege on that promise.”
- “I agreed to dog-sit for my friend, but had to renege on the offer after learning she had four large Dobermans.”
- “After he reneged on his promise to take me to my job interview, I realized I couldn’t trust him anymore.”
Origins of 'Renege'
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The term 'renege' has its origins in the mid-1500s. It derives from the Latin word “negāre,” meaning to deny or refuse. In medieval times, “renegāre” referred to renouncing a belief, but by the late 1700s, it began to take on the meaning of going back on a promise or changing one’s mind.
- Some people mistakenly believe that 'renege' is a shortened form of 'renegotiate,' but that’s not the word's actual origin. Despite this misconception, both words share similar meanings.
How is 'renege' spelled and pronounced?
The word is correctly spelled 'renege.' It's commonly misspelled as “reneg” due to the word’s final 'g' sound, which leads some to omit the last 'e.' The correct pronunciation of 'renege' is either “ruh - neg” or “rih - neg.”
Related Terms
Cop out The phrase “cop out” refers to backing out of something, breaking a promise, or avoiding responsibility. It is essentially a synonym for 'renege,' though 'cop out' can be used as both a noun and a verb. Here are a few examples:
- “I was so frustrated when she copped out of our dinner plans. She claimed to be sick, but I think she just didn’t want to go.”
- “He said he was stuck in traffic, but I suspect that’s just a cop-out. He should’ve left earlier.”
Get cold feet Similar to 'renege,' the phrase 'get cold feet' refers to backing out of something you initially planned to do. The key distinction is that while someone might 'renege' on a deal for any number of reasons, 'getting cold feet' specifically suggests withdrawing due to fear or nervousness.
- “The night before her wedding, she got cold feet and called everything off because she was unsure if they were truly a good match.”
- “They were ready to make an offer on the house, but they got cold feet when they realized it was too expensive. Now they’re looking for a more affordable option.”
Chicken out To 'chicken out' means to back away from doing something because of fear. It’s nearly identical in meaning to 'getting cold feet.' Here are some examples:
- “I was about to ask her out, but I chickened out when I saw her standing there.”
- “She intended to confront her boss at the meeting, but when the time came, she chickened out.”
Backpedal To 'backpedal' means to reverse your stance or opinion, much like cycling backward. For instance:
- “She promised to cover all my expenses if I joined her on the bachelorette trip, but now she’s backpedaling, saying she’ll only pay for my plane ticket.”
- “After I confronted him about his controversial remarks, he started to backpedal, claiming he didn’t mean what he said.”
