Eschew Meaning and Definition
Eschew
Pronunciation
/ˈɛʃʊ/
Part of Speech
Definition
An Eschew is to deliberately avoid or reject something, often because it is considered unpleasant, unpleasantly formal, or in favor of a more modern, straightforward expression.
Examples
1. “She eschewed the formal invitation to attend the event, opting instead for a more casual get-together.”
2. “He eschewed the use of jargon in his writing, choosing clear and concise language instead.”
Synonyms
1. Avoid
2. Reject
3. Refuse
Antonyms
1. Adopt
2. Choose
3. Prefer
Etymology
The word “eschew” has its roots in the 15th century and is derived from the Old French word “eschuer” meaning “to shun” or “to avoid”. It has been used in the English language since the 16th century and has maintained its meaning as a verb indicating deliberate avoidance or rejection.
Usage Notes
Eschew is often used in formal writing, academic texts, or professional contexts where clarity and precision are essential. It is a more formal alternative to “avoid” or “reject” and is typically used in situations where the speaker or writer wants to convey a sense of deliberate choice or avoidance.
Example: “The company eschewed the use of coal-fired power plants in favor of renewable energy sources.”
Cultural References
Eschew has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. For example, in the novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde, the character Dorian Gray eschews the conventional moral code in favor of a life of hedonism and excess.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Eschew has been used in several idiomatic expressions, such as “eschew the middle path” which means to avoid taking a middle or moderate course of action, or “eschew unnecessary complications” which means to avoid unnecessary complexity or difficulties.
Collocations
Some common collocations with eschew include “eschew the spotlight”, “eschew the limelight”, and “eschew unnecessary expenses”.
Frequency of Use
Eschew is a relatively rare word in modern language, and its usage is often limited to formal or academic contexts. However, it is still a useful word to know and can add variety and nuance to one’s writing or speech.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of eschew include “eschewe”, “eschewa”, and “eschewew”.