Forgot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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forgot

[fษ™rหˆษกรคt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

general action

To forget something means to be unable to remember it or to lose the memory of it. It can apply to both intentional and unintentional acts of not recalling information.

Synonyms

dismiss, disregard, overlook.

Examples of usage

  • I forgot my keys at home.
  • She forgot to call her friend back.
  • He forgot the password to his email account.
Context #2 | Verb

emotional context

In an emotional context, to forget can imply letting go of past grievances or memories. It reflects a desire to move on from a painful experience.

Synonyms

forgive, let go, release.

Examples of usage

  • It's time to forget the past.
  • She decided to forget the hurt he caused her.
  • He tries to forget what happened last summer.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Forgetting can occur due to interference, where new information overwhelms or disrupts the recall of older memories.
  • The phenomenon known as 'spacing effect' shows that we remember things better if we're given time between learning sessions.
  • Emotional content in memories can make them more likely to be forgotten if the feelings are too overwhelming or traumatic.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and literature, characters often 'forget' critical information that leads to humorous or dramatic situations.
  • Songs about forgetting often reflect on lost love or memories, such as 'Forget You' by CeeLo Green which conveys the pain of remembering someone.
  • Television shows often explore themes of amnesia, showcasing how forgetfulness can alter the lives and identities of characters.

Science

  • Studies show that the brain processes and forgets information as a way to prioritize important memories, focusing on what matters most.
  • Sleep research reveals that memory consolidation occurs during sleep, and lack of sleep can lead to increased forgetfulness.
  • The 'forgetting curve', developed by Hermann Ebbinghaus, demonstrates how information is lost over time when there is no attempt to retain it.

Literature

  • Many poets and authors explore the theme of forgetfulness as a way to express loss, nostalgia, or the passage of time.
  • Shakespeareโ€™s works often touch on memory and forgetfulness, particularly in how characters deal with love and betrayal.
  • Contemporary authors like Kazuo Ishiguro highlight the tension between memory and forgetting in exploring personal identity.

Origin of 'forgot'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'forgietan', meaning to lose the power of remembering.
  • Related to the German 'vergessen' and Dutch 'vergeten', all have roots in similar meanings of forgetting.
  • The prefix 'for-' can imply 'missing' or 'away,' suggesting that something has gone far from one's memory.

The word 'forget' originates from the Old English term 'forgietan', which means to lose the power of recollection. This, in turn, comes from the Proto-Germanic *furgitan, formed by the prefix 'for-' meaning 'away' and 'gietan', meaning 'to seize or grasp'. The evolution of the word has traced its way through various forms in the Germanic languages, ultimately influencing modern English. The notion of forgetting encompasses various aspects of human cognition and memory, and has deep philosophical implications in understanding the nature of memory and forgetting in human experience.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,311 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.