What does go mean?
The English verb go is one of the most versatile words in the language, expressing movement from one place to another as well as the broader idea of proceeding, departing, functioning, or developing. Its meaning depends heavily on context: a person can go to work, a machine can go out of order, and an event can go badly or well. Go also appears in numerous fixed expressions, including "go home," "go ahead," and "let's go," where its basic meaning may be modified or largely conventionalized. In informal British, Irish, and Australian English, the noun a go means an attempt or turn, as in "give it a go." The word is neutral in formal contexts but can sound conversational or dismissive in expressions such as "just go." Although simple in form, go can indicate physical movement, direction, duration, operation, development, survival, disappearance, and even death, depending on the words surrounding it.
To move or travel from one place to another; to leave, proceed, function, happen, continue, or develop, according to context.
"We went by train because the roads were closed."
Go often takes an infinitive to show what someone does next: "I'll go call her." It can also follow a subject with a present participle or adjective: "the project is going well."
An informal term for an attempt, try, or turn at doing something.
"She decided to give the puzzle another go."
This noun use is especially common in British, Irish, and Australian English; "give it a go" is a fixed informal expression.
The plural is uncommon and is used chiefly for attempts or turns; expressions such as "at one go" normally remain singular.
"He had a few goes at the task before asking for help."
From the ancient journey to the modern journey of a machine, one little verb carries the idea of moving forward.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does go come from?
The English verb descends from Old English gān, which continued the earlier Proto-Germanic verb *gananą. Its deeper ancestry is generally traced to the Proto-Indo-European root *gʰengʰ-, meaning "to go." Cognates include Old Norse ganga, Dutch gaan, and German gehen, while English gang and its derivatives preserve the same ancient root.
Related word forms
How go is actually used
Go is highly versatile and neutral in register. Phrases such as "give it a go" are especially associated with British, Irish, and Australian English; North American speakers more often use alternatives such as "give it a shot." In the sense of proceeding or functioning, go may also take a complement: "things are going well."
Easily confused with go
Go means to move or proceed, whereas glow means to emit a steady light or appear brightly illuminated.