I have been looking into the definitions of these two words, they both have multiple definitions, some of which seem to overlap and some of which seem to be pertinent to only one of the words. I wanted to ask a few questions about these words to solidify my understanding. My native language is American english
Question 1) It seems to me, out of the two, abnegate is the only one that can be used to renounce a belief system. Is this correct?
"He abnegated his god"
"At the age of 20, he decided to abnegate the beliefs that his parents had tried to instill in him"
Question 2) Out of the two, it seems abnegate is the only one that can be used to mean self-denial of some pleasure. Is this correct?
"He is prepared to abnegate the instant gratification of owning a smart-phone"
"Being an ascetic means abnegating certain pleasures in life"
Question 3) Of the two, it seems only abdicate can be used to mean formally giving up a position of high power. Is this correct?
"He abdicated his throne in 1706 to his successor"
"He abdicated his position of chairman and CEO of the company"
Question 4) Out of the two, it seems both can be used to refer to giving up a responsibility or duty. Is this correct?
"The problem with this world is that too many parents are abnegating their parental duties."
The problem with this world is that too many parents are abdicating their parental duties."
Question 1) It seems to me, out of the two, abnegate is the only one that can be used to renounce a belief system. Is this correct?
"He abnegated his god"
"At the age of 20, he decided to abnegate the beliefs that his parents had tried to instill in him"
Question 2) Out of the two, it seems abnegate is the only one that can be used to mean self-denial of some pleasure. Is this correct?
"He is prepared to abnegate the instant gratification of owning a smart-phone"
"Being an ascetic means abnegating certain pleasures in life"
Question 3) Of the two, it seems only abdicate can be used to mean formally giving up a position of high power. Is this correct?
"He abdicated his throne in 1706 to his successor"
"He abdicated his position of chairman and CEO of the company"
Question 4) Out of the two, it seems both can be used to refer to giving up a responsibility or duty. Is this correct?
"The problem with this world is that too many parents are abnegating their parental duties."
The problem with this world is that too many parents are abdicating their parental duties."
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