prescient

[ presh-uhnt, ‑ee-uhntpree-shuhnt, ‑shee-uhnt ]

adjective

1. having prescience, or knowledge of things or events before they exist or happen; having foresight:

   The prescient economist was one of the few to see the financial collapse coming.

Other Words From

• pre·scient·ly adverb
• non·pre·sci·ent adjective
• non·pre·sci·ent·ly adverb
• un·pre·scient adjective
• un·pre·scient·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of prescient¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Old French, from Latin praesciēns (stem praescient- ), present participle of praescīre “to know beforehand,” equivalent to prae- “before” + scīre “to know”; pre- ( def ); science ( def )

Example Sentences

Over the decades, “Dune’s” devotees have called the book prescient.

From Los Angeles Times

Some 14 years ago, on Dec. 5, 2010, a historian writing for TomDispatch made a prediction that may yet prove prescient.

From Salon

The unique campaign strategy was prescient, as even Republican voters who helped Trump win the presidential election supported abortion rights measures across the country, solidifying the issue as one that crosses political and cultural lines.

From Los Angeles Times

A rather prescient one, considering how much racial tension and identity politics shaped the general election, particularly after Vice President Kamala Harris became the nominee.

From Los Angeles Times

Sinwar proved prescient in his mistrust of any electronic devices – which were used as a devastating weapon last month against operatives of Hezbollah.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• farsighted