What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foresee
Example
I can foresee a lot of problems if we don't address this issue now. [foresee: verb]
Example
She had the foresight to foresee the potential risks and take precautions. [foresee: noun]
foretell
Example
The fortune teller claimed to be able to foretell the future. [foretell: verb]
Example
The data seems to foretell a significant shift in consumer behavior. [foretell: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foresee is more common than foretell in everyday language and is used in a wide range of contexts, while foretell is less common and often associated with mystical or supernatural predictions.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between foresee and foretell?
Both foresee and foretell can be used in formal or informal contexts, but foretell may be perceived as more formal due to its association with prophecy or divination.
