Abnegation

/ab-nuh-GAY-shun/

त्याग (tyaag) / आत्म-निषेध (aatm-nishedh)

Advanced Literary

Meanings

  1. The act of renouncing or rejecting something
  2. Self-denial
  3. Sacrifice of one's own interests

Example Sentences

  • "Gandhi's life was an example of abnegation — he gave up personal comfort for the nation's freedom."
  • "The monk's abnegation of worldly pleasures was central to his spiritual practice."
  • "Her abnegation of personal ambition for her family's welfare was both admirable and heartbreaking."

Etymology

From Latin 'abnegationem' (refusal, denial), from 'abnegare' (to refuse, deny), from 'ab-' (away) + 'negare' (to deny, say no). The Sanskrit concept of 'tyaga' (त्याग — renunciation) is a close parallel.

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