- Today's Word
Abnegation
ab-nuh-GAY-shun
Definition
- (noun) The act of renouncing or rejecting something, often for moral or selfless reasons.
Example
His abnegation of wealth in favor of charity inspired many.
Fun Fact
Abnegation has long been a cornerstone of religious and philosophical traditions. In Buddhism, renouncing worldly pleasures is a path toward enlightenment, while in Stoic philosophy, self-denial fosters discipline and inner strength. Historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa practiced abnegation in their dedication to service. Even in literature, self-sacrificing heroes—like Sydney Carton in A Tale of Two Cities—exemplify abnegation by putting others before themselves.
(verb) To move with a smooth, wave-like motion; to have a wavy form, surface, or appearance.
The tall grass undulated across the hillside in the breeze, rippling like a slow green tide.