Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Forgone Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⏮️
Add to dictionary

forgone

[fɔrˈɡɔn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

past tense

Having been done or occurring in the past; abandoned or neglected.

Synonyms

abandoned, former, neglected, past, previous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
forgone

Typically used to describe something that has been given up or is inevitable. When something is referred to as 'foregone', it is often seen as a conclusion or result that is unavoidable.

  • The victory was a foregone conclusion
  • He has foregone any claim to the inheritance
previous

Used to describe something that came before the current one. It is neutral and often used in more formal contexts.

  • The previous owner of the car took great care of it
  • I have previous experience in marketing
former

Describes something or someone that existed in the past but no longer does in the current state. Often used to refer to previous roles, states, or statuses.

  • The former president will attend the ceremony
  • In her former life, she was an architect
past

Indicates something from an earlier time. It is neutral and simply references time that has already gone by.

  • In the past, we used to write letters
  • Let's not dwell on past mistakes
abandoned

Used when something or someone has been left behind, often with negative connotations. It implies neglect or giving up entirely.

  • The house was abandoned for years
  • She felt abandoned by her friends
neglected

Refers to something that has been ignored or not given proper attention. It has a negative connotation and often indicates a lack of care.

  • The garden was neglected and overgrown
  • He felt neglected by his parents

Examples of usage

  • He regretted his forgone opportunity to study abroad.
  • The forgone conclusion was that they would lose the game.
  • Her forgone dreams haunted her every night.
  • The forgone project was left unfinished.
  • Despite the forgone promises, he decided to move on.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophy, discussing forgone conclusions often ties into debates about free will versus determinism.
  • A forgone conclusion is seen as something inevitable, sparking questions about human choice and predictability.
  • The idea challenges the notion of control, suggesting that some outcomes may be written in the stars.

Legal Terminology

  • In legal contexts, certain outcomes may be described as forgone, indicating they are beyond dispute.
  • Judges may refer to forgone conclusions when certain evidence inevitably leads to a specific ruling.
  • The usage emphasizes the importance of established facts and precedents in legal decision-making.

Literature

  • Authors often create forgone conclusions in their narratives to build suspense or emphasize fate.
  • Literary characters might grapple with the idea of forgone outcomes, enhancing themes of inevitability and fate.
  • Writers use this concept to reflect on life's unpredictability despite apparent certainty.

Personal Development

  • Understanding forgone choices can help individuals learn from past decisions and prepare for future ones.
  • People often reflect on life events as forgone, motivating them to embrace change and growth.
  • Recognizing forgone elements in life encourages acceptance and reduces the anxiety over things beyond one's control.

Origin of 'forgone'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Old English word 'forgān,' which means to go away from.
  • It has developed over time to indicate something that is unavoidable or predetermined.
  • The prefix 'for-' often suggests ‘before’ or ‘in front of’ in other English words, hinting at past decisions.

The word 'forgone' originated from the combination of 'for-' meaning completely and 'gone' meaning past tense of 'go'. It first appeared in the 14th century and has been used to refer to something that has been done or occurred in the past. Over time, 'forgone' has become a popular term to describe abandoned or neglected things or opportunities.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,541, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.