Recantation
/ˌriː.kænˈteɪ.ʃən/noun
A formal retraction of a statement, belief, or claim.
Did you know?Its core comes from Latin *cantare* (“to sing”), so hidden inside this solemn word is the ancient idea of “saying it again” — as if speech itself could be performed like a chant.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
recantare
“to sing back, revoke, or withdraw what was said”
Late Latin
Latin
recantatio
“an act of withdrawing or taking back a statement”
Old French
Old French
recantation
“retraction; formal withdrawal of a statement or belief”
14th Century
English
recantacion
“formal withdrawal of an opinion, especially under pressure”
Modern English
English
recantation
“a formal retraction of a statement, belief, or claim”
Explore more surprising origins