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Unlearn vs Forget - What's the difference?

unlearn | forget |

In transitive terms the difference between unlearn and forget

is that unlearn is to discard the knowledge of while forget is to unintentionally leave something behind.

unlearn

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • To discard the knowledge of.
  • *1994 , Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom , Abacus 2010, p. 80:
  • *:It was another lesson from Fort Hare that I had to unlearn in Johannesburg.

    • Anagrams

    *

    forget

    English

    Verb

  • To lose remembrance of.
    • I have forgotten most of the things I learned in school.
  • * 1922 , (Margery Williams), (The Velveteen Rabbit)
    • For at least two hours the Boy loved him, and then Aunts and Uncles came to dinner, and there was a great rustling of tissue paper and unwrapping of parcels, and in the excitement of looking at all the new presents the Velveteen Rabbit was forgotten .
  • To unintentionally not do, neglect.
    • I forgot to buy flowers for my wife at our 14th wedding anniversary.
  • To unintentionally leave something behind.
    • I forgot my car keys.
  • To cease remembering.
    • Let's just forget about it.
  • (slang) (euphemism for) fuck, screw (a mild oath).
    • Forget you!

    Usage notes

    * In sense 1 and 4 this is a catenative verb that takes the gerund (-ing) . * In sense 2 this is a catenative verb that takes the to infinitive. * See

    Synonyms

    * obliviate, overlook, pass over, disremember

    Antonyms

    * acquire, learn, mind, recall, recollect, remember, reminisce

    Derived terms

    * forget about * forgetful * forget-me-not * forget oneself * forgettable * forgetter * unforgettable

    References

    * *

    Statistics

    * English irregular verbs 1000 English basic words