Pronunciation: [ɹɪnˈɛd͡ʒ ˈɒn] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "renege on" might be confusing for some due to the silent "g" at the end. However, the IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /rəˈnɛɡ ɒn/, which can help to understand how to pronounce it correctly. The word means to go back on a promise or commitment. It is important to use correct spelling in communication to avoid misunderstandings and ensure clear understanding of the message being conveyed.
To "renege on" something means to fail to fulfill or carry out an agreement, promise, or commitment, typically by going back on one's word or retracting a previous statement. The verb "renege" is derived from the Latin "renegare," which means to deny or renounce. It is often used in contexts involving contracts, deals, agreements, or social arrangements.
When a person reneges on something, they break their prior assurance or obligation without a valid reason or notification, leading to disappointment, distrust, or potential harm to others involved. This action is commonly viewed as dishonest, unreliable, or untrustworthy behavior.
The term can be applied to various scenarios, including personal relationships, business dealings, financial transactions, or political promises. For instance, if someone reneges on a business contract, they fail to fulfill the agreed-upon terms, possibly causing financial loss or damage to the other party. Similarly, a politician may renege on their electoral promises, resulting in disillusionment among supporters.
The act of reneging on commitments can have serious consequences, such as legal disputes, damaged reputations, strained relationships, or financial penalties. It is generally regarded as ethically and morally unacceptable behavior, as it undermines trust, integrity, and the overall reliability of individuals or institutions.
The word "renege" originated from the Middle English term "reneg", which was derived from the Old French term "renegier". This Old French verb was formed by adding the prefix "re-" (which means "again" or "back") to the verb "negier" (which means "to deny" or "to refuse"). Both "negier" and "renegier" originated from the Latin word "negare", which means "to deny" or "to refuse". Over time, the term "reneg" evolved into "renege", and it took on the meaning of "to deny a promise" or "to go back on one's word". The phrase "renege on" means to fail to fulfill or abide by a promise or agreement.
