foresight

Definition

The ability, or the due use of one's ability, to foresee or prepare wisely for the future.

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”).

Example Sentences

• "Near-synonym: forethought"
• "Having the foresight to prepare an evacuation plan may have saved their lives."
• "The rugged forhead that with graue foreſight / Welds kingdomes cauſes, & affaires of ſtate; […]"

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