What does "launch forth" mean (sense 1)?

To begin a journey, mission, or adventure with energy and bold determination. Example: "The explorers launched forth at dawn, heading into territory no one had mapped before."

What does "launch forth" mean (sense 2)?

To begin speaking at length and with enthusiasm, often on a topic one feels strongly about. Example: "Without waiting for a question, the professor launched forth on the origins of the Renaissance."

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launch forth

C1 formal inseparable intransitive

To begin something boldly and energetically — a journey, a speech, or a new venture; often used in a literary or slightly archaic register.

In plain English

To start something big and important with a lot of energy and confidence, like setting off on an adventure.

What does "launch forth" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 C1 formal

rare

To begin a journey, mission, or adventure with energy and bold determination.

"The explorers launched forth at dawn, heading into territory no one had mapped before."

inseparable

2 C1 idiomatic formal

rare

To begin speaking at length and with enthusiasm, often on a topic one feels strongly about.

"Without waiting for a question, the professor launched forth on the origins of the Renaissance."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To 'launch' (propel) oneself 'forth' (forward/outward) — like a ship being launched into open water.

Actually means

To start something big and important with a lot of energy and confidence, like setting off on an adventure.

Usage tip

Somewhat archaic and literary. More common in older texts or formal speech. In modern usage, 'launch into' has largely replaced 'launch forth' for the 'begin a speech' sense. Occasionally used for dramatic stylistic effect.

Words that pair with "launch forth"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

speech journey tirade adventure explanation mission

How to conjugate "launch forth"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base

launch forth

I/you/we/they

3rd person

launches forth

he/she/it

Past simple

launched forth

yesterday

Past participle

launched forth

have + pp

-ing form

launching forth

continuous

Hear "launch forth" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "launch forth" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "launch forth"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

begin embark on launch into plunge into set forth set out

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.

All phrasal verbs with "launch" All phrasal verbs with "forth" More C1-level phrasal verbs