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)
go forth
C1 formal intransitive
To leave a place and go out into the world, especially with a sense of purpose or mission.
In plain English
To go out and do something important, often used in a serious or old-fashioned way.
What does "go forth" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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!"
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move forward and outward — 'forth' is an archaic directional adverb meaning 'forward' or 'out'.
Actually means
To go out and do something important, often used in a serious or old-fashioned way.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "go forth"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
world mission land people multiply conquer
How to conjugate "go forth"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "go forth" in the wild
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Other ways to say "go forth"
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