Words / B1

for-SEE/fɔːˈsiː/

To foresee is to know or guess that something will happen: foresee problems; unforeseen delays (past foresaw, participle foreseen). Predict is a close twin, often with data. See coming is everyday. Do not write “forsee” (one e). Unforeseen is a high-value exam adjective.

Meaning

To know or guess that something will happen (past foresaw).

Examples

• “Few councils foresaw how fast the waiting list would grow.”
• “Unforeseen costs broke the budget, which is the participle adjective.”

Good to know

foresee problems / that. Past: foresaw; participle: foreseen. Spelling: foresee (not forsee). Close: predict. Adjective: unforeseen.

Near in meaning

predict

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