Prescience

Noun

Definition: The fact of knowing or anticipating something in advance; foreknowledge.

Synonyms: Foresight, Clairvoyance, Prophecy

Antonyms: Ignorance, Unawareness, Shortsightedness

Examples:
  • Her prescience allowed her to predict the outcome of the negotiations.
  • The novel displayed a remarkable level of prescience in depicting future technological advancements.
Mnemonics:
  • "Prescience" sounds like "pre-science," implying knowledge or awareness before it happens.
  • Think of "pre" as pre-knowing or knowing beforehand.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "prescience" comes from the Latin word "praescientia," which combines "prae" (before) and "scientia" (knowledge).

Historical Usage:

The concept of prescience has been present in various cultures throughout history, often associated with divination or prophecy.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Prescient vision"

Explanation:

Refers to a highly perceptive or insightful understanding of future events.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "prescience" with "omniscience" (knowing everything).

Explanation:

While "prescience" implies having knowledge or foresight about a specific event or situation, "omniscience" refers to the absolute knowledge of everything. "Prescience" is limited to anticipation or foreknowledge within a specific scope.

Share: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn