Forewent

Forewent is the past tense of the verb forgo. To forgo means to give up or do without something that one would like to have or do. It implies a conscious decision to abstain from something, often for a specific reason, such as a greater benefit, a principle, or simply a matter of practicality.

For example, one might forgo dessert to maintain a healthy diet, or forgo a leisurely weekend to complete an important project. The decision to forgo is typically made voluntarily, though circumstances can sometimes necessitate it. The word itself is derived from the Old English "forgān," meaning to go before or to omit. Understanding "forewent" requires recognizing its past tense function, indicating that the act of giving something up has already occurred. The choice to forgo often involves a trade-off, where the pleasure or utility of the relinquished item is sacrificed for something deemed more valuable or necessary in the present or future.