verzichten
abstain · to do without · do without · renounce · forego
Etwas nicht nehmen oder tun, obwohl man es könnte.
The German word "verzichten" is a verb meaning "to renounce," "to forgo," or "to abstain from." It is formed from the prefix "ver-" and the verb "zichten" (an old form meaning "to accustom" or originally "to renounce," though no longer used independently). The root here relates to giving something up.
Similar words:
- aufgeben (to give up)
- ablehnen (to refuse, reject)
- entbehren (to do without)
Difference:
- verzichten emphasizes a deliberate, often voluntary decision to do without something, especially rights or claims.
- aufgeben can also mean quitting an activity altogether.
- ablehnen focuses on refusing an offer, not necessarily giving it up later.
- entbehren implies enduring or enduring without something, often out of necessity.
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Examples
Ich verzichte auf Zucker.verb
I am abstaining from sugar.
Er muss leider verzichten.verb
Unfortunately, he has to do without.
Er kann nicht verzichten.verb
He cannot do without.
Er wird nicht verzichten.verb
He will not renounce.
Er will nicht verzichten.verb
He does not want to forego.
Warum musstest du gestern auf das Abendessen verzichten?verb
Why did you have to do without dinner yesterday?
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