foresee
UK: fɔːˈsiː | US: fɔːrˈsiː
vt. to see or know something beforehand; to anticipate or predict
The word "foresee" combines the Old English prefix "fore-" (meaning "before" or "in front of") with the verb "see" (from Old English "sēon," meaning "to perceive with the eyes"). The prefix "fore-" is of Germanic origin and is widely used in English to indicate precedence or anticipation (e.g., "forecast," "foreshadow"). The concept of "seeing beforehand" metaphorically extends to mental anticipation or prediction, reflecting the word's evolution from literal vision to abstract foresight.
The prophet claimed to foresee the future.
She could foresee the challenges ahead and prepared accordingly.
Economists try to foresee market trends.
His ability to foresee problems saved the project from failure.
No one could foresee the sudden storm.