# go forth

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/go-forth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to leave a place and go out into the world, often to start a new journey or task.

For teachers: to depart from a location in order to move forward or outward; often carries a formal, imperative, or biblical tone suggesting a mission or new beginning.

## Examples

- The graduates were told to go forth and find their dreams.
- After receiving their instructions, the explorers prepared to go forth into the unknown wilderness.
- The decree commanded the messengers to go forth to every corner of the empire and announce the new law to the citizens.

## Usage notes

- highly formal and often used in speeches, religious texts, or literature rather than daily conversation.
- Teaching tip: anchor this to the word 'forward' to help students remember 'forth' means moving away from a starting point; mention its frequent use in graduation ceremonies.

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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.