renunciar
/ʁe.nũ.siˈa(ʁ)/
To waive in Portuguese is renunciar.
The verb renunciar is used to describe the act of relinquishing or giving up a claim to something.
Meaning: to relinquish, to give up claim to (verb)
Which one should you use?
While renunciar can be used to mean waiving a right, it is also the standard verb used when you are resigning from a position or an office.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you specify the thing that is being waived, the verb renunciar is almost always followed by the preposition a.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable. The IPA is /ʁe.nũ.siˈa(ʁ)/.
Did you know?
- While renunciar is used for formal waiving, Brazilians often use the phrase abrir mão to say they are giving something up in casual conversation.
- The root of renunciar comes from the Latin 'nuntius', meaning 'messenger' or 'announcer'. This suggests that to waive something is etymologically linked to the act of 'announcing' one's decision to step down.
- The term is often used in religious contexts, such as 'renunciar aos prazeres mundanos', meaning to renounce worldly pleasures, showing its deep connection to spiritual discipline.
Examples in context
- Ela renunciou ao direito de receber uma compensação.She waived the right to receive compensation.
- O réu concordou em desistir de seus direitos.The defendant agreed to waive his rights.
- Vou liberar a taxa de entrega desta vez.I will waive the delivery fee this time.
- Ele renunciou ao seu direito de defesa.He waived his right to defense.
- Eu não posso renunciar ao meu direito.I cannot waive my right.
- Ela decidiu renunciar à sua herança.She decided to waive her inheritance.
- Eles vão renunciar às taxas de serviço.They are going to waive the service fees.
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Beatriz are discussing a legal matter regarding a property.
- RodrigoVocê pretende renunciar ao seu título?Do you intend to waive your title?
- BeatrizNão, eu não vou renunciar a nada.No, I am not going to waive anything.
- RodrigoBeatriz, isso pode ser muito arriscado.Beatriz, this could be very risky.
- BeatrizEu entendo, mas manterei meus direitos.I understand, but I will keep my rights.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry renunciar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries renunciar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
