foreknow

verb

fore·​know (ˌ)fȯr-ˈnō How to pronounce foreknow (audio)
foreknew (ˌ)fȯr-ˈnü How to pronounce foreknow (audio)
-ˈnyü
; foreknown (ˌ)fȯr-ˈnōn How to pronounce foreknow (audio) ; foreknowing

transitive verb

: to have previous knowledge of : know beforehand especially by paranormal means or by revelation
foreknowledge
ˈfȯr-ˌnä-lij How to pronounce foreknow (audio)
(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

Dictionary Entries Near foreknow

Cite this Entry

“Foreknow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreknow. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

foreknow

verb
fore·​know (ˈ)fōr-ˈnō How to pronounce foreknow (audio)
(ˈ)fȯr-
foreknew -ˈn(y)ü How to pronounce foreknow (audio) ; foreknown -ˈnōn How to pronounce foreknow (audio) ; foreknowing
: to have earlier knowledge of : know beforehand
foreknowledge noun

More from Merriam-Webster on foreknow

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!