forego
1 Americanverb (used with or without object)
verb (used with object)
verb
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of forego
before 900; Middle English forgon, forgan, Old English foregān. See fore-, go 1
Explanation
If you forego something, you choose to give it up. If you forego dessert after dinner, you are skipping dessert. The verb forego (also spelled forgo) literally means “to go by.” In common usage it means “to abstain” or “do without.” You might forego smoking cigarettes as a New Year’s resolution. Forego can also mean “to precede,” or “go before.” This verb is often seen in its past participle form, foregone, in the phrase “foregone conclusion,” meaning a predetermined conclusion.
Vocabulary lists containing forego
The Constitution of the United States
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Vocabulary from the Constitution of the United States
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Declaration and Resolves of the First Continental Congress
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Cody’s Wish remained under the radar of non-horse racing media until he won the Forego Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 28 of last year, his sixth win in seven races.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2023
He had won his first stakes with Native Drummer in the Forego Stakes at Latonia, Ky. He had seen as his best win the Lexus Run Raven Stakes at Keeneland in 2009 with Quick Chick.
From Washington Post • May 7, 2022
Forego all verbal, written and electronic forms of communication after sending the relative a letter regarding your intent to disown them.
From Encyclopedia.com • Sep. 19, 2018
That was back in 1882, a few weeks after Jesse James was shot, and dozens of horses, including top-class performers such as Curlin and Forego, have tried and failed to emulate him since.
From The Guardian • May 4, 2018
Forego your present happiness for her future good and your gipsy maid shall become a great lady and a peerless woman.
From Peregrine's Progress by Farnol, Jeffery
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
