Foreseeing: meaning, definitions and examples

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foreseeing

 

[ fɔːrˈsiːɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

future prediction

To foresee means to anticipate or predict something that will happen in the future.

Synonyms

anticipate, envision, foretell, predict.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
foreseeing

Used when you are able to see or know something at an advanced stage before it happens, often from evidence or signs.

  • She had a knack for foreseeing future trends in fashion
  • He was foreseeing the challenges they might face
predict

Used when making a logical or informed guess about what will happen in the future, often based on data or trends.

  • Scientists predict significant climate changes by the end of this century
  • Market analysts predict a rise in stock prices
anticipate

Helpful when you are expecting something to occur and preparing for it ahead of time.

  • We need to anticipate potential delays when planning the project
  • She anticipated an increase in costs and budgeted accordingly
foretell

Used mainly in literary contexts or when talking about prophetic or mystical predictions, often without concrete evidence.

  • The old woman claimed she could foretell the future
  • Legends say that the oracle could foretell great events
envision

Best for when you are imagining or picturing something in your mind, often a positive or creative future scenario.

  • He envisions a world where technology improves everyone’s lives
  • She tried to envision what the completed house would look like

Examples of usage

  • He had a knack for foreseeing market trends.
  • She could foresee the consequences of her actions.
  • I didn't foresee that outcome.
  • We need to foresee potential obstacles.

Translations

Translations of the word "foreseeing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prevendo

🇮🇳 पूर्वानुमान

🇩🇪 voraussehend

🇮🇩 meramalkan

🇺🇦 передбачення

🇵🇱 przewidując

🇯🇵 予見する (yoken suru)

🇫🇷 prévoir

🇪🇸 previendo

🇹🇷 öngörmek

🇰🇷 예견하는 (ye-gyeonhaneun)

🇸🇦 التنبؤ

🇨🇿 předpovídání

🇸🇰 predvídanie

🇨🇳 预见 (yùjiàn)

🇸🇮 predvidevanje

🇮🇸 fyrirsjá

🇰🇿 болжау

🇬🇪 წინასწარმეტყველება

🇦🇿 öncədən görmək

🇲🇽 previendo

Etymology

The word 'foreseeing' originated from the combination of 'fore-' meaning 'before' and 'see,' ultimately tracing back to the Old English word 'seon.' The concept of foreseeing has been a part of human existence since ancient times, with individuals using various methods to predict the future, such as divination, astrology, and intuition.

See also: foresee, foreseen, oversee, overseeing, overseer, see, seeable, seeing, seer, seesaw, seethe, unseeing.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,856, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.