Foreseen: meaning, definitions and examples

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foreseen

[fɔːˈsiːn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a sentence

Known or predicted before it happens.

Synonyms

anticipated, envisioned, predicted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
foreseen	This word is often used in situations where an event or outcome was expected with a sense of certainty based on evidence or prior knowledge. The outcome of the experiment was foreseen by the scientists; The financial crisis was foreseen by many experts
predicted	This word is used when a future event or outcome is declared as likely to happen, often based on data or trends. It can carry a more scientific or analytical connotation. The weather forecast predicted heavy rain for tomorrow; Economists predicted a rise in inflation
anticipated	This word is used when there is a sense of expectation or preparation for something that is likely to happen. The team anticipated a tough match; Everyone anticipated the release of the new movie
envisioned	Use this when someone imagines or visualizes a future scenario or plan, often with creativity or innovation. The architect envisioned a modern, eco-friendly building; She envisioned a world without poverty

Examples of usage

He had foreseen the economic downturn and prepared accordingly.
The consequences of their actions were unforeseen by most, but he had foreseen them all along.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in a sentence

To predict or anticipate an event before it happens.

Synonyms

anticipate, forecast, predict.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
foreseen	Typically used to describe something that has been predicted or expected in advance with a sense of certainty or inevitability. The problems were foreseen by the engineers months ago It was foreseen that the project would face certain challenges
predict	Generally used to describe making a specific guess about the future, often based on certain information or trends. Experts predict that technology will advance rapidly in the next decade It's hard to predict what the future holds
anticipate	Used when expecting or looking forward to something, often with a sense of excitement or preparedness. They eagerly anticipate the release of the new book We anticipate that the meeting will be productive
forecast	Commonly utilized in the context of predicting weather, financial markets, or any situation where data is analyzed to predict future events. The weather forecast predicts heavy rain tomorrow Analysts forecast a rise in stock prices

Examples of usage

She foresees a bright future for the company.
The wise man foresees danger and takes precautions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'foreseen' comes from Old English, combining 'for-' meaning 'before' and 'seon' meaning 'to see.'
In modern English, 'foresee' and its variations have been used since the 14th century, signaling a long history of predicting outcomes.

Literature

In literature, characters often foreseen events can create suspense, as readers wonder how the prediction will unfold.
Shakespeare's works frequently explore themes of fate and foreknowledge, as seen in plays like 'Macbeth', where prophecies drive action.

Science

In fields like meteorology, predicting weather conditions requires scientific knowledge and technology to foresee necessary responses.
Psychology studies how individuals can foresee personal life events, delving into intuition and planning.

Pop Culture

Many films feature characters with the ability to foresee events, like the movie 'Minority Report,' which revolves around predicting crimes before they happen.
'The Simpsons' often uses humor to depict foreseen future events, blending comedy with social commentary.

Psychology

People often rely on instincts or gut feelings to foresee potential outcomes, a concept explored in decision-making studies.
Cognitive biases can affect how accurately people foresee future events, highlighting the limitations of human prediction.

Translations

Translations of the word "foreseen" in other languages:

🇵🇹 previsto

🇮🇳 पूर्वानुमानित

🇩🇪 vorgesehen

🇮🇩 dilihat sebelumnya

🇺🇦 передбачений

🇵🇱 przewidziany

🇯🇵 予見された

🇫🇷 prévu

🇪🇸 previsto

🇹🇷 öngörülen

🇰🇷 예견된

🇸🇦 متوقع

🇨🇿 předpokládaný

🇸🇰 predpokladaný

🇨🇳 预见的

🇸🇮 predviden

🇮🇸 fyrirséður

🇰🇿 болжанған

🇬🇪 წინასწარ ნავარაუდევი

🇦🇿 qabaqcadan görülən

🇲🇽 previsto

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,938, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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10935 solicited
10936 illegitimate
10937 networking
10938 foreseen
10939 larval
10940 apprentices
10941 causation
...