Forgotten Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
forgotten
[fษหษกษt(ษ)n ]
Definitions
feelings
no longer remembered or in one's mind
Synonyms
dismissed, faded, lost, unremembered.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| forgotten |
Used when something or someone is no longer remembered, especially over time.
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| unremembered |
Used when something or someone is not recalled or commemorated, often implies a lack of recognition or importance.
|
| lost |
Used when something cannot be found or is no longer in one's possession.
|
| faded |
Used when something gradually loses its importance, brightness, or strength over time.
|
| dismissed |
Used when something is intentionally put out of mind or regarded as unimportant.
|
Examples of usage
- a forgotten promise
- forgotten memories of childhood
action
fail to remember
Synonyms
fail to recall, lose track of, overlook.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| forgotten |
When someone cannot remember something from the past, typically unintentionally.
|
| fail to recall |
Used when someone is unable to bring a specific piece of information to mind at a particular moment.
|
| lose track of |
When someone cannot maintain awareness or keep up with something, such as time, tasks, or information.
|
| overlook |
When someone misses or fails to notice something, often unintentionally. Can have negative connotations if it's a critical mistake.
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Examples of usage
- I have forgotten where I put my keys
- She often forgets to call her parents
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Forgetting is a natural part of memory processing, allowing the brain to prioritize important information.
- The 'forgetting curve,' introduced by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, describes how information is lost over time without reinforcement.
- Emotional experiences are often remembered better, while mundane details may be more easily forgotten.
Cultural References
- The concept of being 'forgotten' is a common theme in literature, often symbolizing lost connections or enduring memories.
- In many cultures, folklore includes stories of forgotten places or people that return to the collective memory, often aligned with nostalgia.
- Artistic expressions, including songs and films, frequently explore themes of loss and memory associated with forgotten relationships.
Social Insights
- In many societies, individuals or communities can feel 'forgotten' if their voices and experiences are overlooked in the larger narrative.
- Historical events and figures can be forgotten over time, leading to calls for remembrance to ensure their significance is acknowledged.
- Technology and social media can both contribute to and combat feelings of being forgotten, as they alter how we remember and connect with others.
Literature
- Classic works often delve into the theme of memory, with characters wrestling with what is forgotten and remembered, such as in 'The Remains of the Day' by Kazuo Ishiguro.
- In poetry, forgotten memories may evoke a sense of longing or melancholy, illustrating the emotional weight of recollection.
- Nostalgic narratives frequently highlight moments of forgetting as a way to emphasize the significance of memory and identity.
Origin of 'forgotten'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Middle English 'forgotten', which itself comes from Old English 'forgietan', meaning to 'lose the power of memory'.
- The prefix 'for-' in Old English suggests a sense of 'away' or 'from', indicating something has been lost.
- The roots trace back to Proto-Germanic with similarities in other languages, highlighting a common theme of memory loss.
The word 'forgotten' originated from the combination of the prefix 'for-' meaning 'away' and the past participle of 'get'. It has been used in the English language since the late 14th century, evolving over time to its current meaning of something no longer remembered or in one's mind.
See also: forget, forgetful, forgetfulness, unforgettable.