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Forego Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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forego

[fɔrˈɡoʊ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in decision making

To decide not to do or have something that you would usually have or do, especially because it would be better to do something else.

Synonyms

forgo, give up, renounce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
forego

Primarily used as 'forego' in the phrase 'foregone conclusion,' meaning something that has already been decided or is inevitable. Some contexts may confuse this with 'forgo'.

  • Given his experience, his victory in the competition was a foregone conclusion.
  • It's a foregone conclusion that they will get married.
forgo

Used to indicate willingly giving up or abstaining from something. This term is often used in formal contexts.

  • She decided to forgo dessert to stay on her diet.
  • We had to forgo our vacation plans due to the pandemic.
give up

Commonly used to express the act of stopping an effort, a habit, or ceasing to pursue something. It has a more general and widely applicable use in everyday situations.

  • He decided to give up smoking for his health.
  • She had to give up her dream of becoming an astronaut.
renounce

Used in formal or legal contexts to mean formally declaring abandonment or rejection of a claim, right, or possession. It often has a strong and decisive connotation.

  • The prince renounced his claim to the throne.
  • She renounced her citizenship to move to another country.

Examples of usage

  • I decided to forego dessert in order to save room for the main course.
  • She forewent her usual morning coffee in order to catch the early train.
  • They chose to forego the annual holiday in order to save money for a new car.
Context #2 | Verb

in a formal setting

To precede in place or time; to go or come before.

Synonyms

antecede, precede, predate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
forego

To go without something or to decide not to do something. It usually implies a voluntary decision to give up something.

  • She decided to forego dessert to stick to her diet.
  • He chose to forego the meeting and work from home instead.
precede

To come before something else, often as an introduction or leading event. This is a common and widely used term.

  • A warm-up always precedes a workout session.
  • His reputation as a good manager precedes him.
antecede

To come before something in time or order. Often used in formal or academic contexts.

  • The peace treaty of 1918 anteceded the economic boom of the 1920s.
  • Classical Greek literature anteceded Roman literature.
predate

Specifically refers to something existing or happening before another event or time. Commonly used in historical or archaeological contexts.

  • The ruins predate the Middle Ages.
  • These documents predate the invention of the printing press.

Examples of usage

  • The ceremony will begin with a procession of dignitaries, foregone by the royal family.
  • The meeting will be foregone by a brief presentation on the current market trends.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, characters often forego personal desires for the sake of a greater good or to fulfill a duty.
  • Classic works often highlight the tension between desire and sacrifice through the act of foregoing.
  • Authors use this concept to develop themes of selflessness, such as in the works of Shakespeare and modern fiction.

Psychology

  • Foregoing something can be seen as a exercise in self-control, which is a crucial aspect of emotional regulation.
  • Researchers explore how the ability to forego short-term pleasures is linked to long-term goal achievement.
  • Individuals who practice delaying gratification often report higher satisfaction in personal and professional domains.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, holidays feature the idea of foregoing certain comforts to focus on spiritual or communal ideals.
  • Rituals of fasting in various traditions illustrate a communal practice of choosing to forego for deeper reflection.
  • The concept of 'forego' can be found across cultures as part of the human experience in prioritizing values.

Pop Culture

  • Reality TV often highlights contestants who must forego luxuries to compete, creating drama and tension.
  • Songs and films frequently explore relationships where one person foregoes their desires for love or friendship.
  • Popular social media trends often encourage followers to forego materialism in favor of experiences.

Origin of 'forego'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'forgān', meaning 'to go before' or 'to precede'.
  • It consists of the prefix 'fore-' which means 'before' and 'go', together indicating leaving something behind.
  • The word has evolved over centuries, reflecting both social and personal choices in its usage.

The word 'forego' originated from Middle English 'forgon', which was derived from Old English 'for-gān', meaning 'to pass away, die'. Over time, the meaning evolved to its current usage in decision making and formal settings. The word has been in use since the 12th century.

See also: forgo, go, goad, gofer, going, gone, goon, ongoing, outgoing, undergo.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,888, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.