Meaning & Definition of word "Forgo"

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    Forgo

    /fɔːrˈɡoʊ/

    verb:

    • 1. To decide not to do or have something.
      • Example: She chose to forgo dessert to maintain her diet.
    • 2. To give up, renounce, or do without something.
      • Example: He decided to forgo his salary increase this year to help the company.
    • 3. To refrain from or voluntarily abandon something.
      • Example: They will forgo their vacation plans and donate the money to charity instead.
    • 4. To abstain from something that could be had.
      • Example: In order to save money, he had to forgo his gym membership.

    Etymology

    Middle English forgo, from Old English forga, meaning 'to do without, to give up'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    forego the formalities:

    To skip the usual polite behaviors or rituals.

    forgo a meal:

    To not eat a meal or choose not to partake in food.

    forgo one's rights:

    To voluntarily give up certain legal claims or entitlements.

    Related Words

    forego:

    To precede in time or place; to go before.

    forwent:

    Past tense of forgo.

    Slang Meanings of forgo

    Meaning: Skip it.

    Example Sentence: I'm going to skip it and just stay in tonight.

    Meaning: Pass up.

    Example Sentence: You can pass up that offer if it doesn't sound good.