# foresaw

/ˌfɔɹˈsɔ/ (US) · /fˈɔːsɔː/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/foresaw
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

to see or predict what will happen in the future. You use this when someone has the ability to know about a future event before it actually occurs.

For teachers: to predict or anticipate a future event or consequence. The past tense of 'foresee', typically used in formal or literary contexts to describe a clear mental vision of what is to come.

## Examples

- The manager foresaw the problem and prepared a backup plan.
- The experienced pilot foresaw the storm and decided to change course before the weather worsened.
- While the board of directors foresaw the potential for market saturation, they failed to implement the necessary diversification strategies before their primary competitors entered the space.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.