renoncer
/ʁə.nɔ̃.se/
The English verb 'desist' is translated into French as renoncer.
While 'desist' in English often means to cease an action, the French renoncer specifically carries the sense of abandoning a right, a claim or a pursuit.
Meaning: to cease to proceed or act (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
When using renoncer to mean giving up a right, a claim or a plan, it is almost always followed by the preposition à. For example, one would say renoncer à something.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁə.nɔ̃.se/ (3 syllables)
Did you know?
- While renoncer means to desist or give up, the related noun renoncement is often used in spiritual or religious contexts to describe the act of asceticism.
- In a romantic context, renoncer à quelqu'un does not mean to stop talking to them, but rather to accept that a love is unrequited and to stop pursuing the relationship.
- Unlike the English 'desist', which is often a command (e.g., 'desist from this behavior'), renoncer is almost always a voluntary act of the subject.
Examples in context
- Veuillez cesser ce comportement.Please desist from this behavior.
- Je vous prie d'arrêterI kindly ask you to desist.
- Arrête, s'il te plaît!Stop, please!
- Je vais renoncer à ce projet.I am going to renounce this project.
- Elle a dû renoncer à son voyage.She had to cancel her trip.
- Il ne veut pas renoncer à ses idées.He does not want to give up on his ideas.
Example conversation
Gabriel is asking Manon about her business plans.
- ManonJe dois renoncer à cette idée.I have to give up on this idea.
- GabrielPourquoi renoncer maintenant, Manon ?Why give up now, Manon?
- ManonC'est trop difficile pour moi.It is too difficult for me.
- GabrielNe renonce pas tout de suite.Don't give up right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry renoncer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
