ENGLISH
REFERENCE

foresight

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˈfɔɹˌsaɪt// UK //fˈɔːsaɪt// fore·sight

n. the ability to judge what will happen in the future and plan for it. Having this means you are prepared for problems before they actually happen.

n. the ability to predict what will happen or be needed in the future. Often implies a combination of wisdom and practical preparation.


SIMPLE

She had the foresight to bring an umbrella.

CONTEXTUAL

Thanks to the manager's foresight, the company had enough stock to survive the sudden supply chain crisis.

COMPLEX

While many investors were blinded by short-term gains, his foresight regarding the housing market allowed him to liquidate his assets before the bubble burst.

Synonyms
Origin

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”).

Usage

Commonly used with the verb 'have' and often followed by an infinitive phrase ('foresight to do something').

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