foreseeable

UK: fɔːˈsiːəbl̩ | US: fɔːrˈsiːəbl̩

Definition

  1. adj. capable of being anticipated or predicted

  2. adj. likely to happen in the future

Structure
fore <before>see <perceive>able <capable of>
Etymology

The word "foreseeable" combines three morphemes:

  1. "Fore-" (from Old English "fore"), meaning "before" or "ahead," often used to indicate precedence or anticipation.
  2. "See" (from Old English "sēon"), meaning "to perceive with the eyes" or "to understand."
  3. "-able" (from Latin "-abilis"), a suffix denoting capability or possibility.

The term evolved to describe something that can be perceived or predicted in advance, reflecting a logical progression from literal vision to metaphorical foresight.

Examples

  1. The consequences of climate change are foreseeable if no action is taken.

  2. The project's delays were foreseeable due to poor planning.

  3. In the foreseeable future, technology will continue to advance rapidly.

  4. The risks were deemed foreseeable and preventable.

  5. Her success was foreseeable given her dedication and talent.