Foresight, n.
1. The act or the power of foreseeing; prescience; foreknowledge. Milton.
2. Action in reference to the future; provident care; prudence; wise forethought. This seems an unseasonable foresight. Milton. A random expense, without plan or foresight. Burke.
3. (Surv.)
Any sight or reading of the leveling staff, except the backsight; any sight or bearing taken by a compass or theodolite in a forward direction.
2 more senses
4. (Gun.)
Muzzle sight. See Fore sight, under Fore, a.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for foresight; he lists it under anticipation, prudence, wisdom.
Where he writes about it:
Foresight and forethought prevent future evil and secure future good by timely looking forward, and acting upon what is foreseen. — from anticipation
Prudence may be briefly defined as good judgment and foresight, inclining to caution and frugality in practical affairs. — from prudence
Foresight merely sees the future, and may even lead to the recklessness and desperation to which prudence and providence are so strongly opposed. — from prudence
Synonyms
anticipationprudencewisdomantepastapprehensionattainmentcarecarefulnesscautioncircumspectionconsiderationdepthdiscernmentdiscretionenlightenmenteruditionexpectancyexpectationforebodingforecastforetasteforethoughtfrugalityhopeinformationinsightjudgmentjudiciousnessknowledgelearningpresciencepresentimentprevisionprofundityprovidencereasonreasonablenesssagacitysenseskillunderstanding
Antonyms
absurdityastonishmentconsummationdespairdoubtdreadenjoymenterrorfatuityfearfollyfoolishnessheedlessnessidiocyimbecilityimprovidenceimprudenceindiscretionmiscalculationmisjudgmentnonsenseprodigalityrashnessrealizationrecklessnesssenselessnesssillinessstupiditysurprisethoughtlessnesswastefulnesswonder