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renege

Renege (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

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What does renege mean?

To break a promise, commitment, or agreement that was previously made, often resulting in disappointment or betrayal of trust.
"The company's reputation suffered when they chose to renege on their warranties."

Detailed Meaning of Renege

When someone reneges on an obligation, they fail to fulfill their end of the bargain or go back on their word, which can have negative consequences for the parties involved. Renege implies a breach of trust and can lead to feelings of frustration or mistrust among those who relied on the initial commitment. It is important to uphold promises and agreements to maintain integrity and strong relationships, as reneging can damage trust and credibility.

Example Sentences for Renege

1. He's known for his tendency to renege on promises, causing frustration.
2. The company's decision to renege on benefits left employees disillusioned.
3. Politicians who renege on campaign pledges can lose public trust.
4. A friend should never renege on a confidential conversation.
5. Reneging on a contract can lead to legal consequences.
6. She had to renege on attending the event due to unforeseen circumstances.

Origin and Etymology of Renege

The verb 'renege' has its etymological origins in Middle English. It is derived from the Old French word 'renegger,' which means 'to deny' or 'to renounce.' This Old French term, in turn, can be traced back to the Latin 'renegare,' a combination of 're' (meaning 'again') and 'negare' (meaning 'to deny'). In its earliest usage in Middle English, 'renege' meant to deny or disown something. Over time, its meaning shifted to describe the act of breaking a promise, commitment, or agreement that was previously made, often resulting in disappointment or betrayal of trust. Thus, the etymology of 'renege' reflects the evolution of the term from denial to the breach of trust and commitment, emphasizing the sense of renouncing one's word or obligation.

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More Usage Examples of Renege

1. Investors felt betrayed when the company reneged on dividends.
2. Reneging on a handshake agreement is seen as unethical.
3. Leaders should never renege on their commitment to serve the people.
4. Breaking a promise can cause others to renege on their trust in you.
5. Reneging on a loan agreement can damage personal relationships.
6. I cannot believe he will renege on his promise.
7. She decided to renege on the agreement at the last minute.
8. They warned him not to renege on his responsibilities.
9. The company may renege on the proposed salary increase.
10. He tends to renege on his commitments whenever it suits him.
11. It is important not to renege on your obligations.
12. He will be seen as untrustworthy if he chooses to renege on his word.
13. She is known to renege on her words without hesitation.
14. The politician's decision to renege on his campaign promises disappointed many.
15. We should hold him accountable if he tries to renege on the deal.
16. They accused him of planning to renege on the agreement.
17. The team captain should never renege on their leadership role.
18. He will face severe consequences if he dares to renege on the contract.
19. The government cannot afford to renege on its commitment to education reform.
20. It is unethical to renege on your moral principles for personal gain.
21. She vowed not to renege on her promises to the community.
22. They decided to renege on the partnership due to financial concerns.
23. The company's decision to renege on the deal was met with backlash from shareholders.
24. The team's victory was overshadowed by allegations that they tried to renege on the rules.

Synonyms and Related Words for Renege

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