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Forsaken Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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forsaken

[fərˈseɪkən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

abandoned

past participle of forsake. Abandoned or deserted.

Synonyms

abandoned, betrayed, deserted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
forsaken

Use when talking about someone or something left alone and neglected, often in a dramatic or literary context.

  • The old house stood forsaken at the edge of the village, its windows broken and garden overgrown.
  • He felt forsaken by his friends during the most difficult time of his life.
abandoned

Use to describe someone or something left behind or given up on, typically without intention of returning.

  • The abandoned car on the side of the road looked like it hadn't been touched in years.
  • She abandoned her dreams of becoming an artist to pursue a more stable career.
deserted

Use when describing a place that is empty of people or someone who has been left alone in a situation, often carrying a sense of abandonment.

  • The once busy mall now looked deserted, with all the shops closed and empty.
  • She was deserted by her family when she needed them the most.
betrayed

Use when someone has been deceived or let down by someone they trusted. This word often carries strong emotional and negative connotations.

  • He felt betrayed when his best friend revealed his secret to everyone.
  • The soldier was betrayed by his own comrades.

Examples of usage

  • He felt forsaken by his friends.
  • The forsaken village was eerily quiet.
  • She was forsaken by her family when she needed them the most.
Context #2 | Adjective

unwanted

Abandoned or deserted, often implying a sense of being unwanted or unloved.

Synonyms

neglected, rejected, unwanted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
forsaken

This word typically implies being abandoned in a dramatic or emotional sense. It is often used in literature or dramatic contexts.

  • She felt forsaken after her friends left her alone in the new city.
  • The forsaken village looked eerie under the moonlight.
unwanted

Used when something or someone is not desired or is viewed as unnecessary or a burden. It often has a negative connotation and implies a lack of value.

  • The unwanted items were left by the roadside.
  • He felt like an unwanted guest at the party.
neglected

Used when something or someone has been ignored or not given proper care or attention. It can be used for both people and objects.

  • The garden was neglected and overgrown with weeds.
  • The neglected child struggled in school.
rejected

This word is often used when someone or something has been actively turned down or not accepted. It can have a negative connotation.

  • He felt rejected after his job application was denied.
  • She rejected the offer because it didn't meet her expectations.

Examples of usage

  • The forsaken puppy looked up at me with sad eyes.
  • He wandered the forsaken streets, feeling like he didn't belong.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Forsaken appears in many classic texts, symbolizing loss, such as in Shakespeare's works, reflecting characters' deep despair.
  • In John Milton's 'Paradise Lost', characters feel forsaken in their spiritual struggles, highlighting the theme of alienation.
  • The term has inspired numerous songs and poems, conveying feelings of loneliness and longing.

Pop Culture

  • Forsaken is the title of various films and songs, often focusing on themes of lost love or betrayal.
  • In video games, 'forsaken' often describes characters or factions that have been abandoned or turned against.
  • Television series frequently explore forsaken characters, showing how abandonment impacts their journey.

Psychology

  • Feelings of being forsaken can lead to significant emotional challenges, including anxiety and depression.
  • Social connection is vital; when individuals feel forsaken, it can deeply affect their mental and emotional well-being.
  • Studying abandonment issues helps psychologists understand attachment styles and interpersonal relationships.

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, people have used 'forsaken' to describe allies or nations abandoned during wars.
  • The term has often been applied in religious contexts, referring to followers feeling forsaken by their deities.
  • In social movements, individuals or groups claiming to be forsaken have sparked dialogues demanding support and recognition.

Origin of 'forsaken'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Middle English 'forsaken', which has roots in Old English and Germanic languages.
  • It combines 'for-', meaning 'away' or 'off', with 'saken', meaning 'to leave'.
  • Historically, its usage in literature indicates deep emotional or spiritual abandonment.

The word 'forsaken' originated from the Middle English word 'forsake(n)', which is derived from the Old English word 'forsacan', meaning 'to renounce or refuse'. The concept of abandonment or desertion has been associated with the word throughout its history, reflecting feelings of loneliness and isolation.

See also: forsaker, forsaking.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,683, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.