Recant
hardNeutral tonerih-KANT
verb
Definition
to formally retract or disavow a previously held belief or statement
Memory hook
RECANT = 're' (back) + 'cant' (sing/chant): to 'un-sing' what you once chanted. Picture a town crier swallowing his proclamation back down.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Under threat of imprisonment, the scientist was forced to recant his findings.”
“She refused to recant her testimony even when offered a lighter sentence.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Under threat of imprisonment, the scientist was forced to ______ his findings.”
Show answer
recant
Categories
GRE Tip
Recant is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "retract" or "disavow" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "affirm".
Related GRE Words
repudiate
to reject or disown as invalid or unauthorized
rescind
to revoke or cancel (a law, order, or agreement)
credulous
Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things
disabuse
to free someone from a mistaken belief or illusion
heterodox
Not conforming with accepted or orthodox standards or beliefs
renounce
to formally give up or reject a claim, right, or belief
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