forethought meaning: definition, etymology

forethought

noun

/ˈfɔː(ɹ)θɔːt/

Etymology From Middle English forethouht, forethoght, from Old English *foreþōht (“forethought”); equivalent to fore- + thought. See also forethink.

Thinking beforehand or in advance, planning; prior or previous consideration.

Near-synonym: foresight
With a little forethought we'd have planned for this contingency and not been stuck here now.

Anticipation.

Provident care; prudence.

Derived terms: fearthought, forethoughted, forethoughtful, forethoughtless, unforethought
Related terms: aforethought

adj

/fɔː(ɹ)ˈθɔːt/

Etymology From Middle English forethouht, forethoght, from Old English *foreþōht (“forethought”); equivalent to fore- + thought. See also forethink.

Thought of, or planned, beforehand.

c. 1613–1621, Francis Bacon, The judicial charge upon the commission of Oyer and Terminer held for the verge of the Court Forethought malice.