Futurist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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futurist

[หˆfjuหtสƒษ™rษชst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

future studies

A futurist is an individual who studies and predicts future trends or developments in society, technology, and the economy. They often analyze current data, societal patterns, and technological innovations to provide insights into what may come in the future.

Synonyms

forecaster, futuristic thinker, trend analyst, visionary.

Examples of usage

  • The futurist spoke at the conference about advancements in artificial intelligence.
  • As a futurist, she writes reports on how climate change could reshape our cities.
  • Many companies consult futurists to guide their strategic planning.
  • Futurists often use scenario planning to visualize potential outcomes.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Futurists have been portrayed in movies and books, often as visionaries with extraordinary insights into technology and society.
  • Famous films like 'Blade Runner' and 'The Matrix' explore themes of futurism, imagining advanced technologies and their impact on humanity.

Science and Technology

  • Futurists often analyze trends in technology, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy, to make predictions.
  • A prominent futurist, Ray Kurzweil, believes that technology will advance exponentially, leading to significant changes in human existence.

Psychology

  • Research shows that thinking about the future can lead to greater motivation and goal-setting in peopleโ€™s lives.
  • Futurists often use scenarios to understand how different choices today can shape tomorrowโ€™s world, impacting our outlook and decisions.

Literature

  • Futurism in literature emerged as a genre that explores possible futures, seen in works like '1984' by George Orwell and 'Fahrenheit 451' by Ray Bradbury.
  • These stories often reflect societal fears and hopes about technological advancements and their ethical implications.

Origin of 'futurist'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'futurist' comes from the Latin word 'futurus,' meaning 'about to be,' highlighting the focus on what is yet to come.
  • It gained popularity in the early 20th century, especially during the Futurism art movement, which celebrated modern technology and dynamic change.

The term 'futurist' originated from the early 20th century, primarily associated with the Futurism movement that began in Italy in 1909. The movement was spearheaded by artists and writers who were enthusiastic about modern technology, speed, and the potential transformation of society. As the movement evolved, the term began to encompass individuals who studied and theorized about future possibilities beyond art and literature. By the mid-20th century, 'futurist' became more widely used in the context of social sciences, emphasizing predictions and analyses of potential future scenarios based on current trends. Influential futurists, such as Alvin Toffler and Buckminster Fuller, helped solidify the term in academic and practical discussions surrounding forecasts for society's evolution in response to technological and social changes.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,014 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.