forgo - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
forgo Word Meanings
- to decide not to do or have something
- to give up something
- to refrain from doing something
forgo Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
forgo Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/fɔːˈɡəʊ/
US
/fɔrˈɡoʊ/
forgo Word Etymology
Forgo comes from the Old English 'forgān', where 'for-' (completely) and 'gān' (to go) combine to mean 'to completely go without'. Picture someone in a beautiful garden deciding to walk past without taking any flowers – the essence of forgoing.
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
Forgo means to decide not to do or have something, to give up a feature or habit, or to refrain from an action. It signals a deliberate choice, often for a goal, budget, or principle, and can apply to experiences, purchases, or routines. It’s somewhat formal or literary, stronger than skip or pass up. You can say 'forgo the dessert' or 'forgo a vacation' to emphasize willful restraint. The word derives from Old English forgān, meaning to go away completely; picture someone in a garden choosing to walk past the flowers rather than take any, a vivid sense of letting something go.
Usage Reminders
- Use forgo for deliberate, often modest, self-restraint
- Prefer forgo to avoid repeating a task or item you can skip
- Follow with the gerund or noun after the verb: forgo doing, forgo a trip
- It is formal; choose skip in casual speech
- Be clear about the reason: forgo the dessert to save money, not because you dislike it
Common Misconceptions
- It means saying no to every option, not just one choice at a time.
- It is not the same as forgetting or neglecting something.
- It is not always about money; it can be about time, energy, or opportunities.
- It is often used for deliberate restraint, not a casual preference.
- It can take a direct object (forgo the dessert) or a gerund after the verb (forgo doing).
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, forgo often feels formal or literary, signaling a clear, intentional choice to avoid something that is optional or desirable. Learners may overuse it in casual speech or replace it with 'skip' or 'pass up'.
Learning Tips
- 1) Practice with budget or health goals to reinforce restraint
- 2) Compare with synonyms like skip, pass up, abstain to feel nuance
- 3) After a verb, use gerund: forgo doing or forgo a trip
- 4) Use in formal writing or careful speech
- 5) Remember its Old English origin to help memory
- 6) Watch for collocations: forgo dessert, forgo a vacation
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'forgo'?
A.To deny oneself something
B.To acquire something
C.To tolerate a situation
D.To discuss an issue
Step 2: Usage
Choose the sentence that correctly uses the word 'forgo'.
A.He forgoe the opportunity to travel abroad last summer.
B.She will forgo her vacation plans due to the weather.
C.I decided to forgo my morning coffee today.
D.They forgo their homework after class.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'forgo'?
A.Resist
B.Accept
C.Obtain
D.Embrace
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'forgo'?
A.Decline
B.Reject
C.Indulge
D.Avoid
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life situation where someone would 'forgo' something they want?
A.A family buys a new car after saving for years.
B.A student chooses to give up their smartphone for a month to focus on studies.
C.A person talks about their plans for the weekend.
D.Someone enjoys their time at the amusement park.
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