foreswear

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "foreswear" is usable in written English and is well written.
It can be used when someone formally renounces or rejects something, often in a solemn or serious context. Example: "He chose to foreswear his previous beliefs in favor of a new philosophy." Alternatives include "renounce" or "abjure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Or creators may consign a work to the common good and foreswear ownership rights.America has amended its copyright laws so many times that it is often difficult to determine whether older works remain the legal property of any party.

The Economist

Over the years, what started out as a schoolboy fascination has driven him to foreswear it on more than one occasion as he has resented the energy and the funds it has taken up.

Independent

Brey's performances, which were executed on two made-to-order Baroque-style cellos by the luthier Jim McKean, had such an unpretentious confidence about them that I thought from now on I would foreswear any performances on modern instruments.

The New Yorker

The dog, however, is mine alone, my actual dog, and I dare not foreswear him, even if he lacks for couth.

The New Yorker

The mega-amendment also empowers the head of the National Judicial Office in ways that Hungary appeared to foreswear in its negotiations with European bodies.

The New York Times

Whether it's the nagging housewives and jealous husbands counseled by an 1880 New York Times editorial to "foreswear all such works of the evil one" or a latter-day smoker vowing to be done with a pack-a-day habit, there seems to be a biological imperative to seek excellence each Jan . 1but a genetic incapacity to obtain it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

He foreswore all jokes; the cardboard cut-outs of David Miliband, the foreign secretary, holding a banana, which had been scattered around the conference venue, had mysteriously been removed.

The Economist

It also makes it even more difficult to prevent panic on Wall Street or Main Street.Mr Obama is now enthusiastically engaged in something that he foreswore as a candidate: the art of the permanent campaign.

The Economist

When early October reports indicated that Dewey was gaining strength, Roosevelt foreswore his previous strategy and campaigned openly and effectively.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After a monumentally foul burrito down in the American South 10 years ago, I foreswore them as nasty, injurious things, with chewy meat and enough grease to have your arteries calling a good lawyer.

Independent

(A spokesman for the Department of State Health Services foreswore any hidden agenda, and simply said that "State and local registrars have a duty to protect [vital records] by insuring they only release records to people who are qualified to obtain them").

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foreswear" when emphasizing a solemn or formal renunciation, particularly of something previously held dear or considered important.

Common error

Avoid using "foreswear" in casual contexts where simpler terms like "give up" or "reject" would be more appropriate; it's best suited for situations requiring a degree of solemnity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "foreswear" is as a verb, indicating the act of formally renouncing or rejecting something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, often in solemn contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foreswear" serves as a verb denoting the act of formally renouncing something. Ludwig AI indicates it's usable in written English, particularly in solemn or serious contexts. While semantically similar alternatives like "renounce" and "reject" exist, "foreswear" emphasizes a deliberate and often public decision. Its formality is reflected in its usage within news, encyclopedias, and science contexts. While "foreswear" may not be as frequently encountered as its synonyms, understanding its specific nuance allows for more precise and impactful communication. It's important to consider the formality of the situation when choosing to use "foreswear" over a more casual alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

renounce

Implies a formal rejection or abandonment, often of a claim, right, or belief; more general than "foreswear".

abjure

Solemnly renounce a belief, cause, or claim; more formal and emphatic than "foreswear".

reject

Indicates a refusal to accept or agree with something; less formal than "foreswear".

disavow

Denies any responsibility for or knowledge of something; carries a stronger connotation of distancing oneself.

disclaim

Formally denies responsibility or connection; often used in legal contexts.

abandon

Means to give up completely; broader in scope than "foreswear", which often implies a formal declaration.

relinquish

Voluntarily ceases to keep or claim; relates to rights, claims, or possessions.

recant

Formally retracts or disavows a previously held belief or statement; often used in religious or political contexts.

retract

Draws back or withdraws a statement or claim; less formal than "foreswear".

give up

A more casual way to say abandon or cease; lacking the formality of "foreswear".

FAQs

How to use "foreswear" in a sentence?

"Foreswear" is used to indicate a formal or solemn rejection of something. For example, "He chose to "foreswear" his allegiance to the throne".

What can I say instead of "foreswear"?

You can use alternatives like "renounce", "reject", or "disavow" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "foreswear" or "forswear"?

"Forswear" is the more common and standard spelling. "Foreswear" is considered an alternative spelling of "forswear".

What's the difference between "foreswear" and "give up"?

"Foreswear" implies a formal or solemn renunciation, while "give up" is a more casual way to say abandon or cease. "Give up" lacks the formality of "foreswear".