Do you know the definition of forsaken? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the word forsaken, including its definition, etymology, usage, example sentences, and more!
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Kevin
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May 6, 2021
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What does the word forsaken mean?
According to Dictionary and Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Dictionary, the word forsaken (pronounced fər ˈseɪkən) is the past tense of the verb forsake and is often used to describe something that is abandoned or given up. This is often used in relation to a habit or way of life. This is considered a transitive verb because one cannot simply “forsake,” they must forsake something specific. One who forsakes would be known as a forsaker. This word is often used in the phrase “God forsaken,” which implies that a god has abandoned whatever it is the person is using “God forsaken” to describe. Try using this word of the day or other new words in a sentence today!
There are many different languages that contain words that have the same meaning as the word forsaken. You may notice that many of these words look or sound alike while meaning the same thing. These are called cognates. Cognates are often formed when two words or languages have the same root or language of origin, such as Latin or Greek. This list of translations for the word forsaken is provided by Word Sense.
- Norwegian: løssluppen
- Hebrew: הֶפְקֵר
- Belarusian: закі́нуты (masc.)
- Georgian: მიტოვებული
- Bulgarian: изоставен
- Spanish: abandonado, abandonar
- Galician: abandonado
- Turkish: terk edilmiş, metruk
- Romanian: abandonat (masc.), părăsit (masc.) (n)
- Latin: derelictus, desertus
- Interlingua: abandonate
- Greek: εγκαταλελειμμένος
- Finnish: hylätty
- Portuguese: abandonado
- Vietnamese: bị bỏ rơi , ruồng bỏ
- Ukrainian: поки́нутий (masc.)
- Mandarin: 遗弃的, 抛弃的
- Russian: забро́шенный, поки́нутый
- Serbo-Croatian: напуштен
- Catalan: abandonat
- French: abandonné, abandonner
- Czech: opuštěný
- Italian: abbandonato, abbandonare
- Arabic: مَهْجُورّ (masc.), مَتْرُوك (masc.)
- Swedish: övergiven
- Marathi: त्यक्त, परित्यक्त
- Estonian: maha jäetud, hüljatud
- Hindi: परित्यक्त
- Yiddish: הפֿקר (hefker)
- Egyptian Arabic: متساب, مهجور
- Dutch: verlaten, in de steek gelaten
- German: verlassen, herrenlos
- Scottish Gaelic: trèigte, fàg
- Inuktitut: hingitaq
How can the word forsaken be used in a sentence?
The word forsaken can be used in a variety of different sentences and circumstances that refer to something that has been abandoned or given up. In this instance, Charles is a prince who wants to give up his crown in order to join the church. His mother, the Queen, is trying to convince him otherwise.
Queen: Charles, it is your life’s duty to uphold this crown.
Charles: No, mother, it isn’t. I am choosing to forsake this crown. Peter will do a fine job. I truly feel a calling to the church, and I want to commit my life to it. It is not my responsibility to run this country, but to build a life that is best for me.
Here, Charles uses the word forsake to mean that he wishes to give up the crown. The word forsaken can be used in many different examples in order to refer to something that has been abandoned, deserted, or given up.
What are synonyms and antonyms for the word forsaken?
There are many different words that one can use in place of the word forsaken. These are called synonyms, which are words and phrases that have the same meaning as another word or phrase. Synonyms are a useful English language tool to have in your arsenal. Not only can they help to expand your vocabulary, but they can help you to avoid repeating yourself. This list of synonyms for the word forsaken is provided by Thesaurus.
- abandoned
- marooned
- friendless
- cast away
- cast off
- destitute
- on the rocks
- ignored
- forlorn
- relinquished
- thrown over
- side-tracked
- given up
- vacant
- left behind
- dumped
- isolated
- godforsaken
- left
- deserted
- desolate
- neglected
- cast aside
- eighty-sixed
- alone
- left in the lurch
- left in the cold
- empty
- shunned
- discarded
- forsaken
- pigeon-holed
- forgotten
- derelict
- dropped
- left at the altar
- passed up
- left alone
- disowned
- jilted
- dissipated
- solitary
- rejected
- sidelined
- eliminated
- outcast
- lorn
- lonely
- unoccupied
- vacated
There are also numerous different words that have the opposite meaning as the word forsaken. These are called antonyms. Antonyms are another useful English grammatical device to know to help grow your vocabulary. This list of antonyms for the word forsaken is also provided by Thesaurus.
- cultivate
- appreciate
- bring up
- cling to
- defend
- enshrine
- school
- finance
- supply
- uphold
- support
- embrace
- coddle
- keep going
- fondle
- cleave to
- rear
- sustain
- go on with
- prolong
- safeguard
- harbor
- reverence
- raise
- value
- protect
- like
- care for
- cherish
- prize
- bolster
- idolize
- provide
- dote on
- nurse
- back
- hold dear
- shelter
- instruct
- apprize
- guard
- revere
- advance
- cherished
- train
- nourish
- treasure
- cosset
- educate
- clasp
- love
- renew
- hug
- nurture
- admire
- control
- fancy
- foster
- perpetuate
- shield
- nurtured
- honor
- preserve
- adore
- hold in high esteem
- look after
- conserve
- entertain
- save
- pet
- encourage
- continue
- keep
- comfort
- tend
- cared for
- carry on
- worship
- venerate
- kept up
- manage
- nursle
- discipline
- repair
- retain
- persevere
- develop
- take care of
What is the origin of the word forsaken?
According to Etymonline, the word forsaken comes from the Old English forsacan, meaning to object to or refuse. The past tense is forsoc, and the past participle is forsacen. This comes from the prefix for meaning completely and the root sacan meaning to struggle or dispute. Related words include forsaking, forsook, and sake. The Old Saxon farsakan and the Dutch verzaken, along with the Old High German farsahhan and the Danish forsage have a similar formation. This is often associated with something being desolate or forlorn.
Overall, the word forsaken is the past tense of the verb forsake. The definition of forsake is to abandon or to give up some habit or lifestyle. This word is often used in the phrase God forsaken, as well as in many other contexts.
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