forsake

USAGE SUMMARY

"forsake" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It means to abandon, reject, or leave something or someone. Example sentence: She chose to forsake her family and move to a new city.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A gay couple have no obligation to make that vow because they do not have to forsake all others because they cannot divorce for adultery – there is no requirement for faithfulness.

The Guardian

The carbon footprint of fans on match days has also been reduced, by encouraging them to forsake their cars: "We have gone from 60% private car use in 2003 to 38% currently.

The Guardian

I don't think we'd forsake our principles just because we've gone up.

The Guardian - Sport

London mayor Boris Johnson this week urged students not to forsake their degrees despite the bleak outlook for graduates entering the jobs market.

The Guardian - Money

I am confident that the exciting prospect of interactivity is the sort of thing that will make my seven-year-old son actually want to forsake his Playstation to enter Attenborough's virtual world.

The Guardian

For Labour ever to stage any semblance of a recovery in Scotland, the following need to happen: ■ Don't forsake the trade unions; work with them.

The Guardian - Opinion

In their zeal to protect the Judeo-Christian legacy, they are ready to forsake what is most important in that legacy.

The Guardian

The state requires only that public schools emphasise abstinence, not that they forsake all other approaches.

The Economist

The ministry had found out that by strict adherence to their party they could do nothing for the people: on the one hand they found that if they attempted to do much for the people, their party would forsake them,—on the other, that if they adhered strictly to party objects they could not withstand the opposition of the people.

The Economist

Israeli officials respond with a mixture of bravado (Israel can forsake trade with Europe by turning to Asia) and shrill denunciation (delegitimising Israel is tantamount to anti-Semitism).Tellingly, though, Israeli politicians who favour more territorial concessions to Palestinians often cite the threat of BDS.

The Economist

One of his first decisions was to forsake the papal apartments in favour of a boarding house which he shares with 50 other priests and sundry visitors.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "forsake" when you want to emphasize a complete or permanent abandonment of something valuable or important, whether it's a principle, a relationship, or a possession.

Common error

Avoid using "forsake" when "forgo" is more appropriate. "Forsake" implies a more significant abandonment, while "forgo" simply means to abstain from or do without something. For example, you "forgo" dessert, but you might "forsake" your principles for power.

Linguistic Context

The word "forsake" functions primarily as a transitive verb. It describes the action of abandoning or giving up something, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

36%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "forsake" is a versatile transitive verb that signifies abandoning or renouncing something. It is grammatically correct, according to Ludwig AI, and frequently used across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While it generally maintains a neutral formality, it's crucial to differentiate it from similar terms like "forgo", which implies a less significant act of abstaining. Employ "forsake" when you wish to stress a full or enduring desertion of value or significance, be it a principle, bond, or holding. The Ludwig examples offer a good grasp of its contextual application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abandon

A more general term for leaving something behind, often implying a lack of intention to return.

renounce

Implies a formal or public rejection of something, such as a belief or claim.

desert

Suggests leaving someone or something in a time of need or crisis, often carrying a negative connotation.

give up

A common idiom for ceasing effort or belief in something.

relinquish

Indicates a voluntary surrender of something, often a right or possession.

leave behind

A literal way of saying to depart from someone or something, possibly without the intention of returning.

walk away from

Suggests a deliberate decision to end involvement with something.

turn one's back on

Implies a rejection of someone or something, often in a disloyal or uncaring manner.

disown

To refuse to acknowledge or accept responsibility for someone or something.

repudiate

To reject the validity or authority of something.

FAQs

How do you use "forsake" in a sentence?

The verb "forsake" means to abandon or renounce something. For example, "He chose to "forsake" his family and pursue a life of adventure".

What are some synonyms for "forsake"?

Alternatives to "forsake" include "abandon", "renounce", "desert", or "relinquish". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "forsake" something temporarily?

While "forsake" often implies a permanent abandonment, it can also be used for temporary situations, depending on the context. However, synonyms like "abandon", or "leave behind" may be more fitting for short-term situations.

What's the difference between "forsake" and "forgo"?

"Forsake" implies a more significant abandonment or renunciation, often of something important. "Forgo", on the other hand, simply means to abstain from or do without something. You might "forsake" your duties, but "forgo" dessert.