foreknow

verb

fore·know (ˌ)fȯr-ˈnō

foreknew (ˌ)fȯr-ˈnü

-ˈnyü

; foreknown (ˌ)fȯr-ˈnōn

; foreknowing

Synonyms of foreknow next

transitive verb

: to have previous knowledge of : know beforehand especially by paranormal means or by revelation

foreknowledge

ˈfȯr-ˌnä-lij

(ˌ)fȯr-ˈnä-

noun

Choose the Right Synonym for foreknow

foresee, foreknow, divine, anticipate mean to know beforehand.

foresee implies nothing about how the knowledge is derived and may apply to ordinary reasoning and experience.

economists should have foreseen the recession

foreknow usually implies supernatural assistance, as through revelation.

if only we could foreknow our own destinies

divine adds to foresee the suggestion of exceptional wisdom or discernment.

was able to divine Europe's rapid recovery from the war

anticipate implies taking action about or responding emotionally to something before it happens.

the waiter anticipated our every need

Examples of foreknow in a Sentence

what couple can possibly foreknow the trials and tribulations that marriage will bring?

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of foreknow was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Foreknow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreknow. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

foreknow

verb

fore·know (ˈ)fōr-ˈnō

(ˈ)fȯr-

foreknew -ˈn(y)ü

; foreknown -ˈnōn

; foreknowing

: to have earlier knowledge of : know beforehand

foreknowledge

-ˈnäl-ij

noun

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foreknow

verb

Synonyms

Examples of foreknow in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near foreknow

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition