forfeit - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
forfeit Word Meanings
- to lose or give up something as a penalty
- something that is lost or surrendered
- a penalty or fine, especially in a game or contest
forfeit Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
forfeit Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈfɔːfɪt/
US
/ˈfɔrˌfɪt/
forfeit Word Etymology
From Latin 'foris' (outside) + Old French 'forfet' (to take away). Imagine a player who steps outside the boundaries of a game and loses their chance to win, symbolizing the forfeiture.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
To forfeit means to lose or give up something as punishment, or to be deemed to have lost because of a penalty. It can function both as a verb and a noun in English. As a verb, speakers say you forfeit your right, title, or prize when you fail to meet a requirement or withdraw from a contest, often under rules that declare the opponent the winner by default. As a noun, a forfeit is the thing you lose, or the penalty you receive, such as a fine or disqualification. In sports, teams or players forfeit games when they cannot or choose not to play, making the match awarded to the other side. The nuance blends obligation, penalty, and loss.
Usage Reminders
- Use forfeit after a penalty is imposed; remember it can be a noun or a verb; distinguish from lose by accident; in sports it often occurs by default; you can forfeit rights, titles, or prizes; formal contexts favor its use over casual phrases
Common Misconceptions
- Forfeit always involves a monetary fine; it can also mean losing a right or game by rule.
- Forfeit and lose are interchangeable in all contexts.
- A forfeit is always a voluntary choice to quit; sometimes rules force it.
- You only hear forfeit in sports; it does not apply to legal or formal settings.
- Forfeit means the other party is at fault; it just records a penalty or loss.
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, the idea of penalty-based loss is common in both sports and law; learners should note the formal noun-verb flexibility and avoid using for everyday 'lose' when no rule or sanction applies.
Learning Tips
- Practice switching between verb and noun forms with example sentences.
- Associate forfeit with rules, penalties, and default wins rather than casual losses.
- Notice collocations: forfeit a right, forfeit the prize, go forfeit.
- Compare with synonyms: surrender, relinquish, lose—when to choose each.
- Read sport and legal contexts to see the word’s formal tone.
- Create your own sentences to reinforce the penalty sense.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'forfeit' mean?
A.To ignore a rule
B.To gain a reward
C.To lose something as a penalty
D.To achieve success
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correctly used sentence.
A.He decided to forfeit his chance to win by not showing up.
B.You must forfeit your rights to speak if you interrupt.
C.If she works hard, she will forfeit the exam.
D.I want to forfeit my lunch plans today.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'forfeit'?
A.Retain
B.Gain
C.Surrender
D.Celebrate
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'forfeit'?
A.Lose
B.Win
C.Sacrifice
D.Give away
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might lose something because of a penalty?
A.A player chooses to give up their position on the team.
B.Someone decides to lend their book to a friend instead of keeping it.
C.They might lose their deposit if they cancel too late.
D.A student is eligible for extra credit because they submitted their assignment on time.
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