# forth

/ˈfɔɹθ/ (US) · /fˈɔːθ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/forth
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. forward or out

adverb · CEFR B2 · Formal · Literary

forward in time or place, or out from a starting point.

For teachers: forward in space, time, or degree; out into view from a particular place.

- The trees began to bring forth new leaves as spring arrived.
- The witness was called to come forth and provide testimony regarding the events of the previous evening.

Usage: Commonly follows verbs of movement or production like 'go', 'come', 'bring', or 'set'.

### 2. and so forth

adverb · CEFR B2

used at the end of a list to mean 'and other similar things'.

For teachers: used in the fixed phrase 'and so forth' to indicate that a list continues in a similar manner.

- We discussed the budget, the schedule, the staff, and so forth.
- The report details the various administrative hurdles, including permit delays, zoning issues, and so forth, that stalled the project.

### 3. programming language

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a specific type of computer programming language used to control machines.

For teachers: a stack-based, concatenative computer programming language designed by Charles H. Moore.

- The engineer decided to use Forth to program the small satellite controller.
- Forth is often selected for embedded systems due to its low memory footprint and high execution speed.

Usage: Usually capitalized when referring to the programming language.

## Examples

- The plants sent forth new shoots in the spring.
- The decree went forth to every corner of the kingdom, ordering all citizens to pay the new tax.
- From that initial meeting, a series of innovative ideas issued forth, eventually leading to the complete restructuring of the department's research goals.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.