Recanting

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Expressing a retraction of an earlier opinion or statement, often publicly or formally
2. Formally rejecting or taking back a claim or belief that was once held or declared
3. Admitting that a previously asserted idea or statement is no longer supported or accepted

Etymology: "Recanting" is the present participle of "recant," so the story belongs to the verb. It was first attested in English in 1535, borrowed from Latin "recantare," which meant "to sing back" or "to chant again." The Latin verb was built from "re-," meaning "back," and "canto," "to chant or sing," a frequentative form of "cano." Its earliest senses were musical and ritual, so taking something back in speech grew out of the idea of singing a tune in reverse. Over the centuries the Latin word picked up the sense of recalling or revoking, and English inherited that broader meaning. Today "recanting" describes a formal withdrawal of an earlier statement or belief, usually made publicly. The image of an echo returning is still present in its roots: a retraction is a statement sent back to its origin.

Synonyms: renouncing, retracting, withdrawing

Antonyms: affirming, confirming, endorsing