What is forgotten? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of forgotten

forgottenverb

quên

/fəˈɡɒtn//fərˈɡɑːtn/

Where does the word forgotten come from?

"Forgotten" traces its roots back to the Old English word "forgiten," which itself is a combination of "for" (meaning "away") and "giten" (meaning "get"). The word's meaning evolved over time, shifting from "not gotten" to "not remembered." This change likely stemmed from the concept of something being lost or taken away from one's memory, making it "forgotten." The evolution of "forgotten" is a fascinating example of how language adapts to reflect changing cultural and societal perspectives.

Vocabulary summary forgotten

typetransitive verb forgot, forgotten

meaningforget, not remember

exampleto forget about something

meaningdespise

typejournalize

meaningforget

exampleto forget about something

meaningforgive and forget

Example of vocabulary forgottennamespace

  • After years of neglect, the old family photographs were forgotten in a dusty attic until a relative stumbled upon them during a house cleaning.
  • The town's once-flourishing industry fell into disrepair and was forgotten until a group of locals banded together to revitalize the economy.
  • The actress's name was briefly mentioned in an old magazine article, but it was quickly forgotten as newer stars emerged.
  • The lost key was left behind in the rush to leave and was subsequently forgotten until the front door wouldn't close properly.
  • The abandoned house had been forgotten for years until the property became a target for urban exploration enthusiasts.

Synonyms and related words for forgotten


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