Foresight: meaning, definitions and examples

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foresight

 

[ ˈfɔːrsaɪt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

ability to predict or plan for the future

Foresight is the ability to predict or plan for the future based on careful consideration and understanding of present circumstances. It involves anticipating potential outcomes and taking proactive measures to achieve desired goals.

Synonyms

anticipation, foresightedness, prescience.

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Word Description / Examples
foresight

Use when someone has the ability to predict or prepare for the future. It often implies careful planning and wisdom.

  • His foresight in investing in technology paid off.
  • She had the foresight to bring an umbrella.
foresightedness

A more formal term, used to describe the quality of being able to predict and prepare for future events. It emphasizes long-term vision.

  • The company's success is attributed to the foresightedness of its founders.
  • Her foresightedness in career planning allowed her to achieve great success.
prescience

A formal term that suggests a supernatural ability to know what will happen in the future. It can sound mystical or otherworldly.

  • Some attribute the scientist's discoveries to mere prescience.
  • Her prescience in market trends was unparalleled.
anticipation

Often used when referring to the act of looking forward to something with excitement or expectation. It doesn't necessarily imply deep thought or planning.

  • The children waited in anticipation for the fireworks.
  • He was filled with anticipation before his first day at the new job.

Examples of usage

  • His foresight in investing in the new technology company paid off handsomely.
  • Strategic foresight is crucial for businesses to stay ahead in a rapidly changing market.
  • She demonstrated remarkable foresight by saving money for unexpected expenses.

Translations

Translations of the word "foresight" in other languages:

🇵🇹 previsão

🇮🇳 पूर्वदृष्टि

🇩🇪 Weitsicht

🇮🇩 wawasan ke depan

🇺🇦 передбачення

🇵🇱 przewidywanie

🇯🇵 先見

🇫🇷 prévoyance

🇪🇸 previsión

🇹🇷 öngörü

🇰🇷 선견지명

🇸🇦 بصيرة

🇨🇿 předvídavost

🇸🇰 predvídavosť

🇨🇳 预见

🇸🇮 predvidevanje

🇮🇸 forsýning

🇰🇿 көрегендік

🇬🇪 წინასწარ ხედვა

🇦🇿 irəlik

🇲🇽 previsión

Etymology

The word 'foresight' originated from the combination of 'fore-' meaning 'before' and 'sight' meaning 'seeing'. It has been used in the English language since the late 16th century. Foresight has always been valued as a quality that enables individuals to plan and prepare for the future, making it an essential aspect of decision-making and leadership.

See also: insight, nearsighted, oversight, sight, sighting, sightless, sightline, sights, sightseeing, sightseer, unsightliness, unsightly.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,018, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.