Basic Details
Word: Abdicate
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To give up a throne, a title or an important duty, usually in an official way.
Synonyms: renounce, resign, give up
Antonyms: assume, claim
How to Spell Abdicate
Syllables: ab - di - cate
Tricky part: Students often write an e after the d, because the middle sound is weak. It is an i, and there is only one c.
Watch out for: abdecate, abdicait, abdiccate
Memory tip: Think ab (away) + dic, the 'say' part you also see in dictate and dictionary. A king who abdicates says he is going away from the throne. Finish with cate.
Usage Examples
Example 1: The old king decided to abdicate in favour of his daughter.
Example 2: A captain cannot abdicate his duty just because the match is going badly.
Example 3: In the story, the raja abdicated and went to live in the forest as a hermit.
Fun Fact
In 1936 King Edward VIII of Britain abdicated less than a year after becoming king, so that he could marry Wallis Simpson.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word:
abdicate
a) renounce
b) seize
c) crown
d) defend
Show answer
a) renounce. To renounce a title is to give it up formally, which is what abdicating means.
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
abdiccate
a) a
b) i
c) d
d) c
Show answer
d) c. One c is enough; the ending sounds and looks like the end of educate.
Spell-o-Spell
Choose the incorrectly spelt word:
a) dominate
b) celebrate
c) abdecate
d) meditate
Show answer
c) abdecate. Remember dictionary: the vowel after the d is i.
Mingle-Mangle
Form a meaningful word from the jumbled letters:
dacitabe
a) dedicate
b) abdicate
c) medicate
d) educate
Show answer
b) abdicate. Dedicate needs two d's, medicate an m and educate a u; these letters have a b and two a's.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which of these could abdicate?
a) a river
b) a building
c) a mountain
d) a queen
Show answer
d) a queen
2. A leader who abdicates responsibility ____.
a) writes a book
b) wins an award
c) refuses to do a job that is theirs to do
d) works extra hard
Show answer
c) refuses to do a job that is theirs to do
