Resign vs Step down

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Resign

Top 2,000 (common)B2verb

Step down

 ResignStep down
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //rɪˈzaɪn//🇺🇸 //rɪˈzaɪn//
MeaningTo quit a job or position.
ExampleShe decided to resign from her position after five years.-
RegisterNeutral-
How commonTop 2,000 (common)-
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsresign from a job, resign with notice, resign the position-
Antonymsaccept, retain, stay-
Common mistakesConfused with 'design'; both have different meanings., Using 'resign' when referring to leaving a task but not a position., Incorrectly implying a sense of defeat or failure instead of a voluntary choice.-
Usage notesUsed in formal contexts, typically referring to jobs or positions. Less common in casual conversations.-

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Resign
Step down

Frequently asked questions: Resign vs Step down

What's the difference between Resign and Step down?

Resign: To quit a job or position. Step down:

Can I use Resign and Step down interchangeably?

Not always. Resign and Step down are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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