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Forgetfulness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ญ
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forgetfulness

[fษ™rหˆษกษ›tf(ษ™)lnษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

memory loss

Forgetfulness is the condition of being unable to remember things.

Synonyms

absentmindedness, amnesia, memory loss.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
forgetfulness

Used to describe a general tendency to forget things, which can be common in everyday life and usually is not linked to any serious condition.

  • Her forgetfulness caused her to miss several important appointments
  • Lately, his forgetfulness has been a bit of a problem
amnesia

A medical condition where a person cannot remember certain information, often as a result of brain injury or trauma. This term carries a more serious and clinical connotation.

  • After the accident, he suffered from amnesia and couldn't remember his past
  • The patient was diagnosed with retrograde amnesia
memory loss

A broader term that can refer to any form of losing pieces of memory, whether short-term or long-term, and can often be associated with aging or medical conditions.

  • Her memory loss has been gradually getting worse with age
  • The medication aims to slow down his memory loss
absentmindedness

Refers to a temporary state of distraction or preoccupation, leading to forgetting things. Usually describes someone who is mentally focused on other things.

  • His absentmindedness is why he left his keys in the door
  • She walked out without her umbrella thanks to her absentmindedness

Examples of usage

  • I've been experiencing a lot of forgetfulness lately.
  • Her forgetfulness has become a concern for her family.
  • Old age often brings with it forgetfulness.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research suggests that forgetting helps our brains prioritize important information over less significant memories.
  • The 'memory curve' shows that we tend to forget information quickly after learning it, unless we review it repeatedly.
  • Stress and lack of sleep are known to increase forgetfulness, affecting our ability to recall memories.

Cultural References

  • In various cultures, forgetfulness is often associated with aging, although it can affect people of all ages.
  • Famous works of literature, such as 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks, explore themes of love intertwined with forgetfulness.
  • Films like 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' creatively portray forgetfulness as a means to escape painful memories.

Science

  • Neuroscience research shows that forgetfulness is a natural part of memory processing in the brain, crucial for cognitive functioning.
  • The hippocampus plays a key role in forming new memories, and damage to this area can lead to severe forgetfulness.
  • Studies have evidenced that practicing mindfulness can help improve memory retention and reduce forgetfulness.

Origin of 'forgetfulness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from Middle English 'forgeten,' which has roots in Old English 'forgietan,' meaning to lose one's memory.
  • The prefix 'for-' denotes loss, while 'get' relates to obtaining, combining them to imply losing what was once known.
  • The concept of forgetfulness has appeared in literature for centuries, often representing human vulnerability.

The word 'forgetfulness' dates back to the 14th century, derived from the Middle English word 'forgetful'. It is a combination of 'for-' meaning 'completely' and 'geten' meaning 'to forget'. Forgetfulness has been a common human experience throughout history, often associated with aging or stress.

See also: forget, forgetful, forgotten, unforgettable.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,936, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.