Prescient
hardPositive tonePRESH-ee-unt
adjective
Definition
Having knowledge of events before they take place; prophetic
Memory hook
PRE-SCIENT: having SCIENCE (knowledge) BEFORE it happens — knowing the future.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Her prescient warnings about the market crash went unheeded.”
“The author's prescient novel predicted technological developments.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Her ______ warnings about the market crash went unheeded.”
Show answer
prescient
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Prescient is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "prophetic" or "farsighted" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "shortsighted".
Related GRE Words
prophetic
Accurately describing or predicting what will happen in the future
utopian
Modeled on or aiming for a state in which everything is perfect; idealistic
arcane
Understood by few; mysterious or secret
augur
To foretell or predict, especially from signs or omens; a prophet or soothsayer
cognizant
Having knowledge or being aware of
esoteric
Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge
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