Word
foresight
Phoneticsfore·sight, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɔɹˌsaɪt/
UK/fˈɔːsaɪt/
Definitions
01planning for the future
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic
n. the ability to think about the future and prepare for it wisely.
n. the ability to foresee or prepare for future events or needs through prudent planning.
“She had the foresight to save money for her retirement while she was still young.”
“The CEO's foresight in investing in renewable energy decades ago positioned the company as a market leader during the current transition.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'have the foresight to [do something]'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02firearm component
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical
n. the small metal piece at the front of a gun used for aiming.
n. the front sight of a firearm, used in conjunction with a rear sight to align the weapon with a target.
“He carefully aligned the foresight with the target before pulling the trigger.”
“The marksman noticed that the foresight of his rifle had been slightly damaged during transport, affecting his accuracy at long range.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“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.” “Level two is hill-climbing, or iteratively improving a model without future foresight (kind of like studying only in a manner befitting the SAT rather than to learn overall).” “Obama of having 'bloviated' during portions of his convention address but acknowledged his foresight in opposing the war early on, referring to him as 'perspicacious.” Etymology
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.
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/foresight