eschew
eschew
Pronunciation
/ɪˈʃuː/
ɪ - This represents the "i" sound in "bit" or "ship". It's a short, high front vowel.
ˈʃuː - This represents the second syllable.
ʃ - This is the "sh" sound as in "ship" or "shoe". It's a voiceless postalveolar fricative.
uː - This is a long "oo" sound, like the vowel in "food" or "too". It's a high back vowel. The colon (ː) indicates that the vowel is lengthened.
Word Form Variations
eschewed: This is the past tense and past participle form of "eschew." It's used to describe the act of avoiding something that has already happened. For example, "He eschewed the company of those who gossiped."
eschewing: This is the present participle or gerund form. It describes the act of avoiding something as it is happening or can function as a noun. For example, "She was eschewing all processed foods" (present participle) or "Eschewing negativity is a positive trait" (gerund).
eschewal: This is a noun form, though it's less common. It refers to the act of eschewing or avoidance. For example, "His eschewal of conflict was well-known."
It's important to note that "eschew" doesn't have common noun or adjective forms like "eschewer" (one who eschews) or "eschewable" (something that can be eschewed), though you might occasionally encounter them. These are not standard English words. The primary forms you'll see are "eschew," "eschewed," and "eschewing."
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb:
Definition: To deliberately avoid or abstain from something, especially something considered morally questionable or undesirable. It implies a conscious and often principled rejection.
Synonyms: Abstain from, refrain from, avoid, shun, renounce, forgo, steer clear of, keep away from, fight shy of.
Antonyms: Embrace, welcome, accept, pursue, seek, indulge in, court, invite.
Example: "He eschewed all forms of dishonesty."
Noun (eschewal):
Definition: The act or practice of eschewing; avoidance, especially of something morally questionable.
Synonyms: Avoidance, abstention, shunning, renunciation, rejection, forgoing.
Antonyms: Acceptance, embrace, pursuit, indulgence.
Example: "His eschewal of gossip made him a trusted confidant."
It's important to reiterate that while you might occasionally see creative uses of "eschew" as other parts of speech, they are non-standard and not generally recommended. The core and most accepted use of "eschew" is as a verb.
Examples of Use
Books: "He had always eschewed violence, preferring instead the quiet resolution of conflict." (This is a hypothetical example, as citing real book examples without specific titles and page numbers is difficult within this format. However, this type of sentence is common in literature.)
Newspapers/Online Publications: "The company has announced it will eschew the use of single-use plastics in its packaging." (This is a hypothetical example, but reflects the kind of usage you'd find in news articles about environmental initiatives.) News articles frequently use "eschew" when discussing policy changes or decisions to avoid certain practices.
Entertainment (Movies/TV): While characters might not often say "eschew," the concept is frequently portrayed. A character might be shown eschewing a corrupt deal or eschewing a romantic relationship due to conflicting values. It's more often implicit in the narrative than explicitly stated.
General Public Discourse: "Many people are now choosing to eschew fast fashion in favor of more sustainable clothing options." (This reflects a common sentiment in discussions about consumerism and ethical living.) You'll find "eschew" used in blogs, online forums, and social media discussions related to lifestyle choices, ethical dilemmas, and personal philosophies.
It's worth noting that "eschew" is a somewhat formal word, so it's more likely to appear in written communication or in more formal spoken contexts. It's less common in casual conversation.
10 Famous Quotes Using Eschew
“Aristotle taught that wisdom begins when we learn to eschew the impulses that cloud clear judgment.”
“Virginia Woolf urged writers to eschew the ordinary so the truth might finally speak.”
“A monk once told me to eschew the noise of the world, for silence reveals everything it hides.”
“Leaders who eschew arrogance invite loyalty; those who chase it invite ruin.”
“Scientists eschew assumptions not because they are wrong, but because evidence is better.”
“To grow is to eschew the comforts that keep us small.”
“Artists eschew perfection because imperfection is where the soul breathes.”
“If you wish to be free, eschew the stories others wrote for you.”
“Great thinkers eschew haste; clarity rarely arrives at a sprint.”
“My mentor said, ‘eschew excuses—results speak a language excuses never can.’”
Etymology
Let's break down the word "eschew." It's a bit of a fancy word, and its origins reflect that.
"Eschew" comes from Old French, specifically the word "eschiver." Think of it like "shunning" or "avoiding" something. "Eschiver" itself has roots that go back even further, potentially to a Germanic word related to "shy" or "awe."
The first recorded uses of "eschew" in English pop up in the 14th century. Even back then, it carried the same basic meaning it has today: to deliberately avoid or abstain from something. It often implied avoiding something morally questionable, but not always. It's always had a sense of conscious and deliberate choice.
So, imagine a medieval knight deciding to eschew a dishonorable action. That's the kind of context the word was originally used in. It's always been a word with a bit of formality to it, not something you'd hear in everyday casual conversation. It carries a weight and a sense of purpose in the avoidance.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Eschew
Since there are so few direct examples, it's more helpful to consider phrases and idioms that capture the same idea as "eschew," namely deliberate avoidance:
Steer clear of: This is a very common idiom that means to avoid someone or something. "I'd advise you to steer clear of that neighborhood at night."
Keep away from: Similar to "steer clear of," this phrase emphasizes physical avoidance. "Keep away from the edge of the cliff."
Give something a wide berth: This idiom suggests avoiding something by going a long way around it. "After the argument, I gave him a wide berth for a few days."
Stay away from: This is a straightforward phrase for avoidance. "Stay away from processed foods."
Avoid like the plague: This strong idiom emphasizes a desire to avoid something at all costs. "He avoided his ex-girlfriend like the plague."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of eschew from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
