"abandoned" vs "forsook"

Question

"abandoned" vs "forsook"

Both 'forsook' and 'abandoned' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Forsook' is an older, more formal term that is rarely used in modern English, while 'abandoned' is a more common and versatile term that can be used in various situations.

Last Updated: April 06, 2024

'Abandoned' is a more common and versatile term compared to 'forsook.' It is used to describe leaving someone or something behind, often in a deserted or forsaken state.

Examples:

The ship was abandoned by its crew during the storm.
He abandoned his car on the side of the road and walked home.
The project was abandoned due to lack of funding.
She felt abandoned by her friends when they didn't show up for her birthday.
The old house was abandoned and left to decay.

Alternatives:

forsook
left
deserted
forsaken
turned one's back on

'Forsook' is a past tense form of the verb 'forsake,' meaning to abandon or renounce. It is more commonly found in older literature or formal contexts.

Examples:

He forsook his old way of life and embraced a new path.
She forsook her family to pursue her dreams.
The knight forsook his kingdom to embark on a quest.
The poet forsook rhyme for a more free verse style.
The artist forsook traditional techniques in favor of experimental methods.

Alternatives:

abandoned
left
renounced
deserted
turned one's back on

Answer 1

abandoned

The term 'abandoned' is correct and commonly used in English. It is a versatile term that means to leave someone or something behind.

Answer 2

forsook

The term 'forsook' is correct but rarely used in modern English. It is an older, more formal term that means to abandon or leave someone or something.