foresight
- 01 C1 Advanced
the ability to think about the future and prepare for it wisely.
the ability to foresee or prepare for future events or needs through prudent planning.
Simple“She had the foresight to save money for her retirement while she was still young.”
In context“The CEO's foresight in investing in renewable energy decades ago positioned the company as a market leader during the current transition.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'have the foresight to [do something]'.
SynonymsAntonymshindsightshortsightedness - 02 C2 Proficiency
the small metal piece at the front of a gun used for aiming.
the front sight of a firearm, used in conjunction with a rear sight to align the weapon with a target.
Simple“He carefully aligned the foresight with the target before pulling the trigger.”
In context“The marksman noticed that the foresight of his rifle had been slightly damaged during transport, affecting his accuracy at long range.”
Synonymsfront sightAntonymsbacksight
“Too many university leaders and senior managers have failed upwards from unexceptional academic careers to a gravy train of well-paid positions for which they lack the strategic foresight that would better serve their institutions.”
From Middle English forsight, forsyght, forsichte (since 14th c.), a calque from providentia equivalent to fore- + sight. Compare Scots foresicht (“foresight”), Saterland Frisian Foarsicht (“caution”), West Frisian foarútsjoch (“foresight”), Dutch voorzicht (“foresight”), German Vorsicht (“caution; care; attention”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.