Rescinding: Canceling What Was Once Promised
Explore the meaning, usage, and examples of the GRE vocabulary word ‘rescind,’ which refers to the act of officially canceling or revoking something that was previously established or promised.
Imagine you’ve just accepted a job offer, but the company suddenly takes it back. That’s rescinding in action, and it’s the word we’re exploring today in our GRE vocabulary lesson.
Word type: Rescind is a verb, pronounced as rih-SIND.
Meaning: To rescind means to officially cancel, revoke, or repeal a law, order, or agreement.
It’s the act of taking back or annulling something that was previously established or promised.
Word history:
The word rescind comes from the Latin word rescindere, which means to cut off or abolish. It’s composed of re, meaning back or again, and scindere, meaning to cut.
This etymology reflects the idea of cutting back or removing something that was previously in place.
Synonyms: Some synonyms for rescind include revoke, cancel, annul, repeal, withdraw, and nullify. Each of these words conveys the idea of reversing a previous decision or removing something that was established.
Antonyms: Antonyms of rescind include uphold, maintain, continue, and enforce. These words represent the opposite action of keeping something in place rather than canceling it.
Examples use in sentences: The government decided to rescind the unpopular tax law after widespread protests.
The university was forced to rescind its offer of admission when they discovered the applicant had falsified their credentials.
The company rescinded its merger agreement when new information came to light during due diligence. Common errors in use:
One common error when using rescind is confusing it with resign. While rescind means to cancel or revoke, resign means to voluntarily leave a job or position.
Another mistake is using rescind for personal promises or informal agreements. Rescind is typically used in more formal or official contexts.
To wrap up, rescind is a powerful word that describes the act of officially canceling or revoking something previously established.
Whether it’s a law, an offer, or an agreement, understanding and using rescind correctly can significantly enhance your vocabulary and comprehension for the GRE.
Remember its connection to cutting back or removing, and you’ll be well-equipped to use this word effectively in your studies and beyond.
