foresee
for-SEE
/fɔːrˈsiː/
To be aware of beforehand; to predict.
Suggests a clear mental vision or logical deduction of what will happen.
The story behind the word. A pure English word combining 'fore' (before) and 'see.' It has been part of the language since the time of Beowulf, describing the uniquely human ability to look ahead.
Word relationships
- predict: Predict is often based on data; foresee is more about personal insight or vision.
- ignore: Ignoring is failing to look; foreseeing is looking ahead.
Commonly confused with
- prophesy: Prophesy implies divine inspiration; foresee implies human foresight.
Word family
- foresight (noun): the ability to predict what will happen
- foreseeable (adjective): able to be predicted
Collocations
- foresee the future
- foresee problems
- as far as I can foresee
Example sentences
- "I cannot foresee any circumstances under which I would resign from this position." Legal
- "Few could foresee the massive impact the internet would have on daily life." History
Memory hook
It's literally 'seeing' something 'before' it happens. See it before it's here.
When not to use
Avoid for supernatural visions; 'prophesy' is better for that. Foresee is usually based on logic or insight.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'foreseeable future' is a common legal and business cliché.
Related words
Explore more words
anticipate, predict, forestall, envision, foreshadow, precede
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