What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abandon
Example
The sailor had to abandon the ship when it started to sink. [abandon: verb]
Example
The child felt abandoned by their friends when they didn't show up to the party. [abandoned: adjective]
forsake
Example
He decided to forsake his old way of life and start anew. [forsake: verb]
Example
The dog felt forsaken by its owner when they left it at the shelter. [forsaken: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Abandon is more commonly used in everyday language than forsake. Abandon is a more general term that can be used in a variety of contexts, while forsake is less common and often used in religious or poetic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abandon and forsake?
Both abandon and forsake can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, forsake may be perceived as more formal due to its less frequent usage and poetic associations.
