forwent: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, literary
Quick answer
What does “forwent” mean?
The past tense of 'forgo,' meaning to deliberately do without something, to abstain from or renounce.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The past tense of 'forgo,' meaning to deliberately do without something, to abstain from or renounce.
To have chosen to give up or pass up an opportunity, pleasure, or possession in the past, often for a greater purpose.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the form 'forwent,' but 'forgone' (past participle) is more common than 'forwent' in both varieties. No major spelling or usage distinction exists for this specific form.
Connotations
In both, it carries a formal, slightly archaic, or literary tone. It may sound affected in casual conversation.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British literary texts, but still extremely rare in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “forwent” in a Sentence
[Subject] forwent [Direct Object][Subject] forwent [Verb-ing]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “forwent” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She forwent her annual holiday to save for the deposit.
- He forwent sugar in his tea for a month.
American English
- They forwent the fancy dinner to donate the money.
- I forwent watching the game to finish the report.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The board forwent their bonuses during the restructuring.'
Academic
Occasional in formal historical or ethical writing. 'The ascetic monk forwent all worldly comforts.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. 'Forgone' or 'gave up' are used instead.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “forwent”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “forwent”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “forwent”
- Confusing it with 'forewent' (to go before).
- Using 'forgone' as the simple past tense.
- Overusing it in informal contexts where 'gave up' or 'did without' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is the standard, though rare, past tense of the verb 'forgo'.
'Forwent' is the past tense of 'forgo' (to do without). 'Forewent' is archaic and means 'went before' (from the verb 'forego'). They are homophones but different words.
No. The correct past participle is 'forgone'. You should say 'I have forgone'.
Only if you are aiming for a formal, literary, or deliberately archaic tone. In most contexts, 'gave up', 'did without', or 'passed up' are more natural choices.
The past tense of 'forgo,' meaning to deliberately do without something, to abstain from or renounce.
Forwent is usually formal, literary in register.
Forwent: in British English it is pronounced /fɔːˈwent/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɔːrˈwent/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To go without (a more common equivalent)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: FOR (as in abstain) + WENT (past tense of 'go'). It's the past form of 'forgo' – you WENT without something in the past.
Conceptual Metaphor
ABSTINENCE IS A JOURNEY PAST (you 'went' past the temptation).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most natural and common synonym for 'forwent' in modern informal English?