Eschew vs. Forfeit — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 4, 2024
Eschew means to deliberately avoid something, often for ethical reasons; forfeit involves losing rights or possessions, typically as a penalty.
Difference Between Eschew and Forfeit
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Eschew involves a conscious decision to avoid certain behaviors, activities, or associations due to moral, ethical, or personal preferences. Whereas forfeit usually occurs as a consequence of a rule or law being broken, leading to a loss of rights, privileges, or possessions.
When someone eschews something, they are making a proactive choice to steer clear from specific aspects that may not align with their values or may be detrimental. On the other hand, forfeiting often isn't a choice but a mandatory relinquishment, usually enforced by legal or organizational rules.
Eschew can be applied in various contexts such as lifestyle choices, habits, and social interactions, reflecting an individual's discipline or moral stand. In contrast, forfeit is commonly used in legal, sports, and games contexts, where failing to meet certain standards results in a penalty.
The action of eschewing does not typically result in immediate tangible consequences other than personal satisfaction or integrity. However, forfeiting can have direct and significant consequences such as financial penalties, loss of property, or other rights.
Eschew is generally viewed in a positive light, as it demonstrates self-control or ethical consistency. Whereas, forfeit is often seen negatively, as it involves loss or punishment due to non-compliance or errors.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Avoid deliberately; shun
Lose or be deprived of property or a right
Connotation
Positive, proactive avoidance
Negative, penalty or loss
Typical Context
Ethical decisions, personal choices
Legal, sports, games
Volition
Voluntary and proactive
Often involuntary, due to rules
Outcome
Personal integrity, avoidance of negatives
Penalties, deprivation of rights or goods
Compare with Definitions
Eschew
To shun something from ethical considerations.
They eschew companies involved in animal testing.
Forfeit
To lose something as a penalty for wrongdoing.
He had to forfeit his driver’s license.
Eschew
To steer clear of something potentially harmful.
She eschews all forms of processed food.
Forfeit
To surrender or give up involuntarily.
The team forfeited the game due to a lack of players.
Eschew
To reject or keep away from specific practices.
He eschews smoking and other bad habits.
Forfeit
To relinquish something as a consequence of breaking a rule.
She forfeited her chance to compete by failing the drug test.
Eschew
To avoid certain behaviors intentionally.
She eschews gossip to maintain her integrity.
Forfeit
To be forced to give up rights, property, or money.
They forfeited their deposit after breaking the lease.
Eschew
To deliberately avoid or abstain from.
He chose to eschew alcoholic beverages.
Forfeit
To abandon rights or possessions under duress or demand.
Under the terms of the agreement, he forfeited any claims to the property.
Eschew
Deliberately avoid using; abstain from
He appealed to the crowd to eschew violence
Forfeit
Lose or be deprived of (property or a right or privilege) as a penalty for wrongdoing
Those unable to meet their taxes were liable to forfeit their estates
Eschew
To avoid using, accepting, participating in, or partaking of
“Italian tends to eschew the sort of polite euphemisms in which English glories” (David Leavitt).
Forfeit
A fine or penalty for wrongdoing
The loser must pay a forfeit
Eschew
To refrain from (doing something).
Forfeit
Lost or surrendered as a penalty for wrongdoing
His possessions were declared forfeit
Eschew
To avoid; to shun, to shy away from.
Forfeit
To lose or give up (something) on account of an offense, error, or failure to fulfill an agreement
The other team did not show up in time and so forfeited the game.
Eschew
To shun; to avoid, as something wrong, or from a feeling of distaste; to keep one's self clear of.
They must not only eschew evil, but do good.
Forfeit
To subject to seizure as a forfeit.
Eschew
To escape from; to avoid.
He who obeys, destruction shall eschew.
Forfeit
Something that is lost or given up on account of an offense, error, or failure to fulfill an agreement.
Eschew
Avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of
Forfeit
The act of forfeiting
The team lost the game by forfeit.
Forfeit
In parlor games, an item placed in escrow and redeemed by paying a fine or performing an appointed task.
Forfeit
Forfeits A game in which forfeits are demanded.
Forfeit
Lost or subject to loss through forfeiture.
Forfeit
A penalty for or consequence of a misdemeanor.
Forfeit
A thing forfeited; that which is taken from somebody in requital of a misdeed committed; that which is lost, or the right to which is alienated, by a crime, breach of contract, etc.
He who murders pays the forfeit of his own life.
Forfeit
Something deposited and redeemable by a sportive fine as part of a game.
Forfeit
Injury; wrong; mischief.
Forfeit
To suffer the loss of something by wrongdoing or non-compliance
He forfeited his last chance of an early release from jail by repeatedly attacking another inmate.
Forfeit
To lose a contest, game, match, or other form of competition by voluntary withdrawal, by failing to attend or participate, or by violation of the rules
Because only nine players were present, the football team was forced to forfeit the game.
Forfeit
To be guilty of a misdeed; to be criminal; to transgress.
Forfeit
To fail to keep an obligation.
Forfeit
Lost or alienated for an offense or crime; liable to penal seizure.
Forfeit
Injury; wrong; mischief.
To seek arms upon people and country that never did us any forfeit.
Forfeit
A thing forfeit or forfeited; what is or may be taken from one in requital of a misdeed committed; that which is lost, or the right to which is alienated, by a crime, offense, neglect of duty, or breach of contract; hence, a fine; a mulct; a penalty; as, he who murders pays the forfeit of his life.
Thy slanders I forgive; and therewithalRemit thy other forfeits.
Forfeit
Something deposited and redeemable by a sportive fine; - whence the game of forfeits.
Country dances and forfeits shortened the rest of the day.
Forfeit
Lost or alienated for an offense or crime; liable to penal seizure.
Thy wealth being forfeit to the state.
To tread the forfeit paradise.
Forfeit
To lose, or lose the right to, by some error, fault, offense, or crime; to render one's self by misdeed liable to be deprived of; to alienate the right to possess, by some neglect or crime; as, to forfeit an estate by treason; to forfeit reputation by a breach of promise; - with to before the one acquiring what is forfeited.
[They] had forfeited their property by their crimes.
Undone and forfeited to cares forever!
Forfeit
To be guilty of a misdeed; to be criminal; to transgress.
Forfeit
To fail to keep an obligation.
I will have the heart of him if he forfeit.
Forfeit
In the condition of being forfeited; subject to alienation.
Once more I will renewHis lapsèd powers, though forfeite.
Forfeit
Something that is lost or surrendered as a penalty;
Forfeit
A penalty for a fault or mistake that involves losing or giving up something;
The contract specified forfeits if the work was not completed on time
Forfeit
The act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.
Forfeit
Lose or lose the right to by some error, offense, or crime
Forfeit
Surrendered as a penalty
Common Curiosities
Is eschewing a habit beneficial?
Yes, eschewing harmful habits is generally beneficial as it promotes healthier living and moral integrity.
Can you explain what forfeit means in legal terms?
In legal terms, to forfeit means to lose a right, possession, or privilege as a penalty for some wrongdoing.
What are common situations where one might forfeit something?
Common situations include violating sports rules, legal penalties, or failing to meet contractual obligations.
What does it mean to eschew something?
To eschew means to deliberately avoid something, especially for moral or practical reasons.
What might cause someone to forfeit their property?
Legal issues, failure to comply with regulations, or breaches of contract can lead someone to forfeit their property.
What happens if you forfeit a game?
Forfeiting a game usually results in an automatic loss and potentially other penalties depending on the rules of the sport.
How does eschewing differ from abstaining?
Eschewing is more proactive and can be driven by ethical beliefs, whereas abstaining is avoiding something more for practical reasons.
Can an organization eschew certain practices?
Yes, organizations can eschew practices that they find unethical or harmful to uphold their values.
How does eschew differ from avoid?
Eschew implies a deliberate avoidance due to ethical or personal standards, while avoid is more general and less specific about the reasons.
Is eschew a commonly used word?
Eschew is not as commonly used in everyday conversation but is popular in formal and written contexts.
What does "forfeit by default" mean?
It means losing a right or privilege due to failure to take necessary action, often without the need for a judicial process.
Can eschewing be seen as a positive action?
Yes, eschewing is often viewed positively as it reflects personal discipline and ethical decision-making.
What are the consequences of forfeiting a legal right?
Consequences can include loss of legal claims, financial penalties, or other legal disabilities.
Why might someone choose to eschew alcohol?
Personal health, moral reasons, or past negative experiences with alcohol might lead someone to eschew it.
Can one forfeit something accidentally?
Typically, forfeiting something involves a known violation or failure, so it is not usually accidental.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
