Dictionary

forewit en · NOUN · etymology 1

Etymology

From Middle English forwit, from Old English *forewit, *forewitt (attested in derivative forewitiġ, forewittiġ (“foreknowing”)), equivalent to fore- + wit (“knowledge, understanding”).

Meanings

1. (countable, uncountable) Timely knowledge; precaution; foresight.
   • One good forewit is worth two afterwits.

Forms

Antonyms

afterwit

forewit en · VERB · etymology 2

Etymology

From Middle English forwiten, from Old English fōrewitan (“to foreknow”), equivalent to fore- + wit (“to know”).

Meanings

1. (obsolete, transitive) To foreknow.

Forms

forewit en · NOUN · etymology 3

Etymology

From fore- (“prominent, out in front”) + wit (“a clever man”).

Meanings

1. One who puts himself forward as a leader in matters of taste or criticism.

Forms