foreknowledge
UK: fɔːˈnɒlɪdʒ | US: fɔːrˈnɑːlɪdʒ
n. knowledge of something before it happens or exists; prescience.
foreknowledge = fore<before> + knowledge<awareness>
- fore: From Old English fore-, meaning "before" (in time, place, or rank). Related to German vor- and Latin prae-.
- knowledge: From Old English cnāwan (to know) + -lǣc (suffix forming nouns). Evolved to Middle English knowleche, meaning "awareness or understanding."
Etymology Origin:
The word combines fore-, a prefix denoting precedence, with knowledge, reflecting the concept of knowing something beforehand. This structure mirrors logical progression—fore- sets the temporal context, while knowledge anchors the meaning in cognition. The term emerged in Middle English (14th century), preserving the transparent compound nature of its Germanic roots.
Her foreknowledge of the storm allowed the village to evacuate in time.
The prophet’s foreknowledge of events was both a gift and a burden.
Scientific models aim to provide foreknowledge of climate trends.
He acted with surprising foreknowledge of the market crash.
Foreknowledge of the plot twist spoiled the movie for her.