Forego vs. Relinquish — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 8, 2024
Forego involves giving up something beforehand or going without, whereas relinquish means voluntarily surrendering possession or claim.
Difference Between Forego and Relinquish
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Forego generally implies a decision to not do or receive something from the outset. Whereas, relinquish focuses on giving up something one already has or is entitled to.
In usage, to forego often relates to foregoing opportunities or rights in anticipation of future benefit or to avoid potential issues. On the other hand, to relinquish usually involves a more definitive abandonment of rights or possessions.
Forego can suggest a temporary or permanent avoidance, depending on context. Relinquish almost always suggests a permanent cessation of holding something.
The emotional connotations of forego might include a sense of sacrifice or preemptive decision-making. In contrast, relinquish typically carries a sense of resignation or detachment.
Forego might be used in contexts involving delayed gratification or strategic planning, whereas relinquish is often used in legal, emotional, or physical contexts to indicate letting go completely.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
To abstain from taking or doing
To voluntarily give up control
Context of use
Anticipatory decisions
Surrendering possession
Temporality
Can be temporary or permanent
Generally permanent
Emotional Connotation
Sacrifice, strategy
Resignation, detachment
Example Scenario
Foregoing dessert for health
Relinquishing a legal claim
Compare with Definitions
Forego
To abstain from an enjoyable activity.
He decided to forego watching movies to study for his exams.
Relinquish
To give up possession or control voluntarily.
The king relinquished his throne in favor of his son.
Forego
To precede in place or time.
The prologue foregoes the main events of the novel.
Relinquish
To let go or release.
She reluctantly relinquished her hold on the old letters.
Forego
To go without something voluntarily.
She chose to forego her coffee to save money.
Relinquish
To resign from a position or office.
He relinquished his role as CEO last month.
Forego
To give up the right or opportunity.
He had to forego his vacation days to complete the project on time.
Relinquish
To abandon a right or claim.
They agreed to relinquish all claims to the disputed land.
Forego
To relinquish something willingly, often in advance.
She foregoes her salary raise to ensure her team's bonuses.
Relinquish
To cease maintaining or insisting on.
The prosecutor decided to relinquish the charge against her.
Forego
Forego (April 30, 1970 – August 27, 1997) was an American Thoroughbred racehorse that won eight Eclipse Awards including Horse of the Year, Champion Handicap Horse and Champion Sprinter.
Relinquish
To give up or abandon (control of something or a claim, for example).
Forego
Variant spelling of forgo
Relinquish
To put aside or desist from (something practiced, professed, or intended); stop doing or adhering to.
Forego
Precede in place or time
So Abdulmelik went away to his house, whither he found that the money had foregone him
Relinquish
To let go; surrender
Relinquished the lands by treaty.
Forego
To precede, as in time or place. See Usage Note at forgo.
Relinquish
To cease holding physically; release
Relinquish a grip.
Forego
Variant of forgo.
Relinquish
(transitive) To give up, abandon or retire from something. To trade away.
To relinquish a title
To relinquish property
To relinquish rights
To relinquish citizenship or nationality
Relinquish power
Forego
To abstain from; relinquish
Unwilling to forgo dessert.
Relinquish
(transitive) To let go (free, away), physically release.
Forego
To precede, to go before.
Relinquish
(transitive) To metaphorically surrender, yield control or possession.
Forego
Alternative spelling of forgo; to abandon, to relinquish
Relinquish
(transitive) To accept to give up, withdraw etc.
The delegations saved the negotiations by relinquishing their incompatible claims to sole jurisdiction.
Forego
To quit; to relinquish; to leave.
Stay at the third cup, or forego the place.
Relinquish
To withdraw from; to leave behind; to desist from; to abandon; to quit; as, to relinquish a pursuit.
We ought to relinquish such rites.
They placed Irish tenants upon the lands relinquished by the English.
Forego
To relinquish the enjoyment or advantage of; to give up; to resign; to renounce; - said of a thing already enjoyed, or of one within reach, or anticipated.
All my patrimony,,If need be, I am ready to forego.
Thy lovers must their promised heaven forego.
[He] never forewent an opportunity of honest profit.
Relinquish
To give up; to renounce a claim to; resign; as, to relinquish a debt.
Forego
To go before; to precede; - used especially in the present and past participles.
Pleasing remembrance of a thought foregone.
For which the very mother's face forewentThe mother's special patience.
Relinquish
Part with a possession or right;
I am relinquishing my bedroom to the long-term house guest
Resign a claim to the throne
Forego
Be earlier in time; go back further;
Stone tools precede bronze tools
Relinquish
Relinquish to the power of another; yield to the control of another
Relinquish
Do without or cease to hold or adhere to;
We are dispensing with formalities
Relinquish the old ideas
Relinquish
Turn away from; give up;
I am foreswearing women forever
Relinquish
Release, as from one's grip;
Let go of the door handle, please!
Relinquish your grip on the rope--you won't fall
Common Curiosities
How do the consequences of foregoing and relinquishing differ?
Foregoing might involve personal sacrifice or future benefits, whereas relinquishing often involves a sense of loss or finality.
Is forego always related to personal decisions?
Yes, forego typically pertains to personal decisions, often involving self-restraint or sacrifice for greater benefits or priorities.
Can forego and relinquish be used interchangeably?
They are not interchangeable; forego often implies not starting something, while relinquish means giving something up after engagement.
What kind of planning does forego involve?
Forego often involves planning related to personal goals or health, such as deciding to forego desserts to manage weight or foregoing immediate pleasures for long-term gains.
What does it mean to forego something?
To forego something means to decide not to do or have it, often in favor of something else.
What are common scenarios for using forego?
Common scenarios include skipping meals for health reasons or not taking advantage of a sale to save money.
Does forego imply a loss?
Forego does imply a loss, but it is usually a chosen or strategic loss, viewed as a trade-off rather than a straightforward deprivation.
What is a common example of relinquishing something?
A common example is relinquishing legal rights, such as when signing a waiver or resigning from a position, giving up associated privileges.
How does the sense of agency differ between forego and relinquish?
The sense of agency is stronger with forego, as it typically involves proactive decision-making, while relinquish may suggest a more reactive or forced giving up.
Can one forego responsibilities?
One can forego responsibilities, often in contexts where priorities are weighed and some duties are set aside to focus on others.
What emotions are commonly associated with forego?
Emotions associated with forego can include determination, foresight, and sometimes regret or sacrifice.
What does relinquish imply in legal contexts?
In legal contexts, relinquish means to formally give up rights or claims.
Can relinquish be used in non-material contexts?
Yes, relinquish can also be used in non-material contexts, such as relinquishing control, power, or emotional baggage.
In what situations might one choose to relinquish?
One might choose to relinquish in situations of resolution, such as settling a dispute by giving up a claim, or when seeking personal peace by letting go of grudges or past conflicts.
Does relinquishing always involve a physical action?
No, relinquishing doesn’t always involve a physical action; it can also be symbolic, such as relinquishing a role or theoretical claim.
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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
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
