recant
What does "recant" mean?
To "recant" means to publicly take back or renounce a statement, belief, or opinion that you previously held. Imagine someone standing in front of a crowd to formally retract a confession or a controversial claim, effectively "unsaying" what they once declared to be true. This word is almost exclusively used in serious or legal contexts. It carries a sense of weight and gravity, often implying that the person is under pressure to change their stance or has had a significant change of heart regarding a deeply held conviction.
"recant" in conversation
Legal deposition
You signed an affidavit last week, but today you are testifying differently. Are you trying to recant your previous statement?
You signed an affidavit last week, but today you are testifying differently. Are you trying to recant your previous statement?
I’m not recanting, I’m clarifying the timeline.
I’m not recanting, I’m clarifying the timeline.
Used here to emphasize the legal gravity of changing a sworn account.
"recant" in a sentence
The witness decided to recant his testimony after being offered immunity.
The witness decided to recant his testimony after being offered immunity.
After the backlash, the politician was forced to recant his controversial remarks.
After the backlash, the politician was forced to recant his controversial remarks.
Under the threat of excommunication, the scientist was compelled to recant his findings regarding the motion of the planets.
Under the threat of excommunication, the scientist was compelled to recant his findings regarding the motion of the planets.
