The spelling of the word "renegade" is unique and requires a proper understanding of its pronunciation. Using the IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /ˈrɛnəɡeɪd/. The first syllable "ren" is pronounced as "ren" and the second syllable "e" is pronounced as "ə". The third syllable "gade" is pronounced as "gədeɪ". Renegade refers to a person who has rejected traditional or conventional beliefs and values, and is often used to describe someone who has gone against a particular group.
Renegade, noun:
1. A person who deserts or betrays an organization, group, or set of principles, especially by switching allegiance to the opposing side; an apostate or traitor. Renegades typically defy authority or convention, rejecting the established norms, values, or beliefs that they once adhered to or were expected to uphold. They actively challenge the status quo and actively pursue alternative paths or affiliations.
2. In historical contexts, specifically during the Middle Ages, a renegade referred to an individual who converted from one religious faith to another, particularly Islam to Christianity or vice versa. These converts were often considered heretics or outcasts by their previous religious community, and frequently faced persecution or social ostracism.
Renegade, adjective:
1. Describing something or someone that deserts or betrays a particular organization, group, or set of principles, indicating a refusal to conform to established standards or expectations. It implies a rebellious or defiant attitude against authority or traditional practices.
2. Characterized by or displaying a person who is a renegade, characterized by a refusal to conform and an independent or nonconformist attitude. It may indicate someone who rebels against societal norms, established customs, or dominant ideologies.
In summary, a renegade is an individual who abandons or betrays their previous affiliations, principles, or beliefs to pursue alternative paths or to oppose authority. The term encompasses both noun and adjective forms, and can be applied to people, ideas, or actions that exhibit a rebellious or nonconformist nature.
An apostate; one who renounces his faith; a wicked perverse person; a deserter.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "renegade" has an interesting etymology. It derives from the Spanish word "renegado", which itself originated from the verb "renegar". This word combines the prefix "re-" (meaning "again" or "back") and the verb "negar" (meaning "to deny" or "to reject").
In its Spanish origins, "renegado" referred to someone who had converted from Christianity to Islam. This term later extended to include any individual who abandoned their religious or political affiliation or betrayed their group or cause.
The word was later borrowed into English, where it retained its meaning of a person who deserts or betrays a former loyalty or cause. Today, "renegade" is often used to describe someone who rebels against societal norms or expectations.