Word
foresee
Phoneticsfore·see, stress on the second syllable
US/fɔɹˈsi/
UK/fɔːsˈiː/
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
foresee
Past
foresaw
Past participle
foreseen
Definition
v. to see or realize that something will happen before it occurs.
v. to perceive a situation or event in advance; to anticipate based on current evidence or intuition.
Examples
“I do not foresee any problems with your application.”
“The economists did not foresee the sudden crash in the housing market despite several warning signs.”
“While the architect could foresee the aesthetic impact of the new tower, she failed to anticipate the structural challenges posed by the local soil conditions.”
Examples
simple
“I do not foresee any problems with your application.”
contextual
“The economists did not foresee the sudden crash in the housing market despite several warning signs.”
complex
“While the architect could foresee the aesthetic impact of the new tower, she failed to anticipate the structural challenges posed by the local soil conditions.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and often takes a 'that' clause or a direct noun object.
Real-World Examples
“Broad , attended séances and thought about the possibility of precognition—the ability to foresee future events.” “This is what it is, they thought, grateful that someone else said it; forgive them if they do not foresee a way out.” Etymology
From Middle English foreseen, forseen, from Old English foresēon; equivalent to fore- + see. Similar formations in Dutch voorzien, German vorsehen, Latin prōvideō, (whence provide and purvey), Ancient Greek πρόοιδα (próoida), Polish przewidzieć, Russian провидеть (providetʹ).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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