/ fəˈget; NAmE fərˈg-/ verb
( for·got / fəˈgɒt; NAmE fərˈgɑːt/ for·got·ten / fəˈgɒtn; NAmE fərˈgɑːtn/)
EVENTS / FACTS
1.
forget (about) sth (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to be unable to remember sth that has happened in the past or information that you knew in the past :
[ v ]
I'd completely forgotten about the money he owed me.
Before I forget, there was a call from Italy for you.
[ vn ]
I never forget a face.
Who could forget his speech at last year's party?
[ v ( that )]
She keeps forgetting (that) I'm not a child any more.
I was forgetting (= I had forgotten) (that) you've been here before.
[ v wh- ]
I've forgotten where they live exactly.
I forget how much they paid for it.
[ v -ing ]
I'll never forget hearing this piece of music for the first time.
[ vn that ]
It should not be forgotten that people used to get much more exercise.
[also vn -ing ]
TO DO STH
2.
forget (about) sth to not remember to do sth that you ought to do, or to bring or buy sth that you ought to bring or buy :
[ v ]
'Why weren't you at the meeting?' 'Sorry—I forgot.'
[ v to inf ]
Take care, and don't forget to write.
I forgot to ask him for his address.
[ vn ]
I forgot my purse (= I did not remember to bring it) .
'Hey, don't forget me (= don't leave without me) !'
Aren't you forgetting something? (= I think you have forgotten to do sth)
HELP NOTE : You cannot use forget if you want to mention the place where you have left something:
I've left my book at home.
I've forgotten my book at home.
STOP THINKING ABOUT STH
3.
forget (about) sb/sth to deliberately stop thinking about sb/sth :
[ v ]
Try to forget about what happened.
Could you possibly forget about work for five minutes?
[ vn ]
Forget him!
Let's forget our differences and be friends.
[ v ( that )]
Forget (that) I said anything!
4.
forget (about) sth to stop thinking that sth is a possibility :
[ v ]
If I lose this job, we can forget about buying a new car.
[ vn ]
'I was hoping you might be able to lend me the money.' 'You can forget that!'
YOURSELF
5.
[ vn ] forget yourself to behave in a way that is not socially acceptable :
I'm forgetting myself. I haven't offered you a drink yet!
•
IDIOMS
- and don't (you) forget it
- forget it
- not forgetting ...
—more at forgive
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English forgietan , of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch vergeten and German vergessen , and ultimately to for- and get .