go forth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Formal/Literary)Formal, Literary, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “go forth” mean?
To move forward or outward.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To move forward or outward; to leave a place; to proceed, often with purpose or determination.
To be issued, announced, or published; to venture out into the world (often with a sense of formality or mission).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The phrase is equally formal and low-frequency in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be encountered in British English in historical/ceremonial contexts. In American English, its strongest association is with the King James Bible.
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday speech in both regions, reserved for specific registers.
Grammar
How to Use “go forth” in a Sentence
SUBJ + go forthSUBJ + go forth + to-INF (purpose)SUBJ + go forth + from + LOCATIONVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “go forth” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The decree went forth from the palace.
- The explorers went forth into the uncharted territory at first light.
American English
- The order to mobilize went forth from headquarters.
- He went forth to preach the gospel.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in very formal mission statements: 'Our new product line goes forth to capture the market.'
Academic
Rare. Found in historical or literary analysis texts discussing older works.
Everyday
Virtually unused. Would sound odd or humorous.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “go forth”
- Using it in casual conversation (e.g., 'I'll go forth to the shops').
- Confusing it with 'go forward' (less archaic, can mean physically move forward or progress).
- Using 'go fourth' (the number).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered formal, literary, or archaic. It is not used in everyday conversation.
In the King James Bible (Genesis 1:22, 28): 'Be fruitful, and multiply...' often recalled as the phrase 'Go forth and multiply.'
Yes, in a formal sense. It implies beginning a venture or mission by leaving a starting point, e.g., 'go forth and build your company.'
'Go ahead' is modern and informal, meaning to proceed or begin. 'Go forth' is formal/archaic and implies a more momentous or purposeful departure into the world.
To move forward or outward.
Go forth is usually formal, literary, archaic in register.
Go forth: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡəʊ ˈfɔːθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡoʊ ˈfɔːrθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Go forth and multiply”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a king sending knights FORTH from the castle. They GO FORTH on a quest.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY. Starting an endeavor is leaving a safe place (e.g., 'Go forth and build your future').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'go forth' MOST appropriately used?