Forgetting - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

memory loss

Forgetting refers to the inability to remember information or experiences. It is a natural process that occurs when the brain fails to retrieve, encode, or store memory. Forgetting can be influenced by various factors such as time, interference, and the nature of the memories.

Synonyms

dismiss, neglect, overlook.

Examples of usage

After years, many people experience forgetting important dates.
Forgetting a friend's name can sometimes be embarrassing.
He found himself forgetting details of the story.
The scientist studied how forgetting affects learning.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Forgetting can actually be a good thing, helping our brains remove unneeded information and make space for new memories.
Emotions play a big role in what we forget; we are more likely to remember things that made us feel strong emotions.
The 'forgetting curve' shows that we tend to forget information over time, especially if we don’t use it often.

Literature

Forgetting is a common theme in storytelling, often illustrating loss, change, or the passage of time, such as in 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
In Shakespeare's plays, characters often forget their vows and promises, leading to conflicts and transformations.
Many modern novels explore memory and forgetting as a central motif, examining how past experiences shape identity and relationships.

Neurology

The brain has various processes for forgetting, one of the key mechanisms is called 'interference,' where new information conflicts with old.
Hippocampus is crucial for memory formation, but it also plays a role in forgetting memories that are no longer relevant.
Studies show that sleep plays a vital role in forgetting by helping our brains consolidate important memories while discarding unneeded ones.

Pop Culture

Movies like 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' explore the desire to forget painful memories, showcasing the tension between wanting to remember and wanting to forget.
In the song 'Forget You' by CeeLo Green, the theme of forgetting a painful breakup resonates with many listeners.
Forgetfulness often appears in comedic scenarios in TV shows, where characters hilariously misplace their keys or forget important dates.

Origin of 'forgetting'

Main points about word origin

The word derives from Old English 'forgietan,' which combines 'for-' (away) and 'getan' (to get), meaning to 'get away from' something in memory.
The concept of forgetting has been discussed since ancient times, with philosophers like Plato debating its implications on knowledge and learning.
In languages like French ('oublier') and Spanish ('olvidar'), the roots of the word still bear traces of this idea of letting go or moving away from memory.

The word 'forgetting' comes from the Old English term 'forgietan', which means 'to lose the power of memory.' This term is derived from 'for-' meaning 'away' and '-gietan' meaning 'to get.' Over time, the term evolved through various Middle English forms, including 'forgiten,' to its present form. The concept of forgetting has been a subject of interest in psychology and neuroscience, as it plays a crucial role in how we learn and process information. The study of forgetting includes famous theories like the 'Ebbinghaus forgetting curve,' which illustrates how information is lost over time when there is no attempt to retain it.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,581 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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9578 illustrative
9579 flourish
9580 surveying
9581 forgetting
9582 rearing
9583 performers
9584 comfortably
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Forgetting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations