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go forth

C1 formal intransitive
In simple words

To go out and do something important, often used in a serious or old-fashioned way.

Literal meaning: To move forward and outward — 'forth' is an archaic directional adverb meaning 'forward' or 'out'.

Meanings

1 C1 formal

To leave a place and go out, typically with a sense of duty, purpose, or mission.

"She told her students to go forth and make a difference in the world."

"Go forth and multiply."

— Genesis 9:7, The Bible (King James Version)
2 C1 idiomatic informal

(Ironic/humorous) used in a mock-grand or playful way to tell someone to go and do something.

"Right, the kitchen is stocked — go forth and cook!"

Usage notes

Archaic or literary in modern usage. Most commonly encountered in religious texts (the Bible) or used ironically and humorously to mock formal or pompous speech. Rarely used in genuine everyday conversation.

Commonly used with

world mission land people multiply conquer

Forms

Base
go forth
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes forth
he/she/it
Past simple
went forth
yesterday
Past participle
gone forth
have + pp
-ing form
going forth
continuous

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Synonyms

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