foreknow

1 of 2

verb

fore·​know (ˌ)fȯr-ˈnō 

foreknew (ˌ)fȯr-ˈnü 

-ˈnyü

; foreknown (ˌ)fȯr-ˈnōn  ; foreknowing

transitive verb

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

foreknowledge

ˈfȯr-ˌnä-lij 

(ˌ)fȯr-ˈnä-

noun

foreknowledge

2 of 2

noun

: knowledge of a thing before it happens or exists : prescience, precognition

some of the tests seemed to indicate a definite foreknowledge of what card would turn up next

foreknowledge of human weakness

Synonyms of foreknow

Verb

• anticipate
• foresee
• predict

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

Verb

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

Word History

Etymology

Noun

fore- + knowledge

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for foreknow

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

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