forget

/fəˈɡɛt/
verbBeginner fail to remember
general

To fail to remember something or someone.

She tends to forget appointments if she doesn't write them down.

This shows that she often doesn't remember scheduled events without reminders.

Don't forget to call your mother.

This is a reminder to remember to make a phone call.

💡

Can be used in both the literal and figurative sense.

figurative

To intentionally overlook or disregard something.

He chose to forget the argument they had.

This means he decided not to dwell on the conflict.

💡

Often used when someone chooses to ignore past events or feelings.

Collocations

forget aboutto stop thinking about somethingforget toto fail to do somethingforget itto dismiss something as unimportant

Related Phrases

forget-me-notphrase
a type of flower or a reminder to remember

💡Pro Tip

Common Mistakes

Avoid using 'forget' with 'of' (e.g., 'forget of' is incorrect; use 'forget about').

Gold Rule

Transitive vs. Intransitive

'Forget' can be transitive (e.g., 'I forgot my keys') or intransitive (e.g., 'I forget easily').

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'forgeten', from Old English 'forgietan', from Proto-Germanic 'fragétan' (to forget), from Proto-Indo-European 'bʰeg-' (to lack, fail).

📝Usage Notes

Can be used in both transitive and intransitive forms. Often followed by 'about' or 'to' in collocations.

Word Breakdown

for-
intensifier or negation
prefix
+
-get
to grasp or understand
root
English Dictionary