forgo
UK: fɔːˈɡəʊ | US: fɔːrˈɡoʊ
vt. to voluntarily give up or do without something
vt. to refrain from or abstain from (an action or opportunity)
forgo = for<away, against> + go<move, proceed>
- for (Old English for-): A prefix meaning "away," "opposite," or "completely." In this context, it implies negation or abstention.
- go (Old English gān): The root verb meaning "to move" or "proceed." Combined with for-, it conveys "to move away from" or "refrain."
Etymology Origin:
The word forgo originates from Old English forgān, where for- intensified the sense of "going away" or "passing over." Over time, it evolved to mean "to abstain from" or "give up," reflecting a deliberate act of omission. The logic is straightforward: forgo literally means "to go against" or "hold back from proceeding," aligning with its modern usage.
She decided to forgo dessert to maintain her diet.
The team chose to forgo the bonus to invest in better equipment.
He would never forgo an opportunity to travel.
They agreed to forgo their usual meeting due to the holiday.
To save time, we’ll forgo the formalities and begin immediately.