foregone conclusion — a result that is certain to happen; an inevitable outcome
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a result that is certain to happen; an inevitable outcome
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfɔːrɡɔːn kənˈkluːʒən/
Example Sentences
- With the star player injured, the team's defeat was a foregone conclusion.
- When my cat sees the empty food bowl, his dramatic meowing performance is a foregone conclusion.
- The election results weren't a foregone conclusion despite the polls.
foregone conclusion
NOUN[/ˈfɔːrɡɔːn kənˈkluːʒən/]
a result that is certain to happen; an inevitable outcome
Everyone knew the champion's victory was a foregone conclusion before the match even started.
Despite the illusion, it's a foregone conclusion
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase 'foregone conclusion' emerged in Middle English, combining 'fore' (before) and 'gone' (past participle of go), literally meaning 'predetermined' or 'already decided beforehand.' The term gained prominence through Shakespeare's Othello, where it denotes a conclusion reached before considering the evidence.
Breakdown
fore- (before, in advance) + gone (past participle of 'go', indicating something already proceeded) + conclusion (final decision or result). The compound 'foregone' means 'decided in advance,' combined with 'conclusion' to describe an outcome predetermined or assumed without proper deliberation.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“With the star player injured, the team's defeat was a foregone conclusion.”
“When my cat sees the empty food bowl, his dramatic meowing performance is a foregone conclusion.”
“The election results weren't a foregone conclusion despite the polls.”
“After eating 10 donuts, my regret was a foregone conclusion.”
📚Related Words
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