forgo
UK[fɔːˈɡəʊ]US[fɔːrˈɡoʊ]
v
To decide not to have or do something that you would like to have or do.
Morpheme Breakdown
for
go
for
away, off, against
go
to move, proceed, or depart.
Etymology
The verb 'forgo' originates from Old English forgān, a combination of the intensive prefix for- and the verb gān (to go). The original sense was "to go away, pass by, or go without." Over time, the meaning evolved from the literal act of passing something by to the more abstract and deliberate act of abstaining from or relinquishing something desirable. This semantic shift reflects a common pattern where a physical action metaphorically extends to a mental or social decision. The modern sense of voluntarily doing without something retains the core idea of "going past" or "letting go" of an opportunity.
Analysis
Structure: for (away, off, against) + go
- for: A prefix of Germanic origin (Old English for-), meaning "away, off, against, completely." It often implies prohibition, abstention, or negation.
- go: A verb of Germanic origin (Old English gān), meaning "to move, proceed, or depart."
Examples
She decided to forgo dessert to stick to her diet.
The team will forgo their day off to prepare for the final match.
He chose to forgo a higher salary for a job with more flexible hours.