Go: meaning, definitions and examples

🚶
Add to dictionary

go

 

[ ɡoʊ ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

movement

Move from one place to another; travel.

Synonyms

move, proceed, travel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
go

General term for moving or traveling to a different place. Informal and most commonly used.

  • I have to go to the store.
  • Let's go for a walk.
travel

Specifically refers to going from one place to another, especially over a long distance. Often used in the context of leisure or business trips.

  • They love to travel around the world.
  • I need to travel to New York for a business meeting.
move

Refers to changing position or making progress. Can be used for physical relocation or metaphorical movement.

  • Please move the chair closer to the table.
  • The project is moving along smoothly.
proceed

Formal term used for continuing an action or starting to do something after a pause. Often used in instructions or formal contexts.

  • After the break, we will proceed with the meeting.
  • You may now proceed to the next step.

Examples of usage

  • He was going in the opposite direction.
  • She went to the store to buy some groceries.
  • We are going on a trip next week.
Context #2 | Noun

energy

Energy, vitality, or enthusiasm.

Synonyms

energy, enthusiasm, vitality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
go

This refers to the informal expression of motive power or liveliness, often used in casual conversations or slang.

  • He's got a lot of go even at his age.
  • The team had plenty of go in them during the match.
energy

Suitable for discussing the physical or mental strength necessary to do activities or the capacity for work. It is a more technical and general term.

  • I don't have enough energy to finish this project.
  • Children usually have a lot of energy.
vitality

This term is used to describe the state of being strong and active, or having plenty of energy and life. It is often used in more formal or literary contexts.

  • She impressed everyone with her youthful vitality.
  • Maintaining physical vitality is important as you age.
enthusiasm

Best used to talk about a passionate interest or eager enjoyment in doing something. It has a positive connotation indicating motivation and excitement.

  • He showed a lot of enthusiasm for the new project.
  • The students listened to the lecture with great enthusiasm.

Examples of usage

  • She has a lot of go in her, always ready for new challenges.
  • I need some coffee to give me a bit more go this morning.

Translations

Translations of the word "go" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ir

🇮🇳 जाना (jana)

🇩🇪 gehen

🇮🇩 pergi

🇺🇦 йти

🇵🇱 iść

🇯🇵 行く (iku)

🇫🇷 aller

🇪🇸 ir

🇹🇷 gitmek

🇰🇷 가다 (gada)

🇸🇦 اذهب (idhhab)

🇨🇿 jít

🇸🇰 ísť

🇨🇳 去 (qù)

🇸🇮 iti

🇮🇸 fara

🇰🇿 бару

🇬🇪 წასვლა (tsasvla)

🇦🇿 getmək

🇲🇽 ir

Etymology

The word 'go' has Old English origins, derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'gān'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to denote movement or energy. Over time, 'go' has become a versatile word, with various meanings and uses in different contexts.

See also: forego, forgo, goad, gofer, going, gone, goon, ongoing, outgoing, undergo.