Foresight
/ˈfɔːrsaɪt/
Definitions
The ability to predict or the action of predicting what will happen or be needed in the future.
/ˈfɔːrsaɪt/
The ability to predict or perceive future events.
Her foresight allowed her to invest in the tech company before it became popular.
💡 Simply: Think of it like having a superpower to see what's coming. If you have foresight, you can prepare for future events. Like, having foresight about a traffic jam means you can leave early!
👶 For kids: Foresight is like seeing into the future! It's knowing what might happen before it actually does.
More Examples
The company’s lack of foresight led to its downfall.
Having foresight can help you avoid potential problems.
How It's Used
"Companies with good foresight often thrive in changing markets."
"The senator was praised for his foresight in anticipating the economic crisis."
"Developing foresight can help you make better life choices."
Idioms & expressions
hindsight is 20/20
It's easy to understand an event after it has happened; it's easier to see mistakes after they are made.
"In hindsight, we should have invested in that company, but hindsight is 20/20."
with the benefit of hindsight
Having the knowledge of a past event, allowing one to understand or judge it better.
"With the benefit of hindsight, we can see that the early warning signs were ignored."
From Middle English *foresighte, foreseighte*, equivalent to *fore-* + *sight*. The 'fore-' prefix denotes 'before' or 'in advance'.
The word 'foresight' has been used since the 16th century, initially relating to the physical sense of seeing something in advance but evolving to encompass the mental ability to predict the future.
Memory tip
Imagine a crystal ball: foresight is the ability to see through it and into the future.