Foresee
What it means
To recognize that an event or need is likely before it occurs.
Reach for it when crediting informed foresight without claiming certainty
The engineers foresee heavier winter demand after the new homes open.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional |
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playful
see coming
Fits when plain informal language stresses that the signs were visible
Careful This phrase can sound smug after an avoidable problem.
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everyday
expect
Fits when ordinary likelihood is all the sentence needs
Careful Expectation may rest on habit rather than insight.
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everyday
predict
Fits when a specific future outcome is stated from evidence
Careful A prediction can be made without understanding its practical consequences.
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warm
envision
Fits when an imagined future possibility guides creative planning
Careful Envisioning does not claim that the event is likely.
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professional
Fits when expectation is joined by readiness or action
Careful Anticipation may come from feeling rather than a reasoned forecast.
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professional
forecast
Fits when data supports a dated or measurable projection
Careful Forecast is too technical for recognizing a personal need.
Opposites 3
- overlook
- misjudge
- be surprised by
Common phrases 3
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foresee a need
Good planners foresee a need before supplies run low.
-
difficult to foresee
The sudden rockfall was difficult to foresee.
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foresee consequences
A careful designer must foresee consequences for nearby residents.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated