Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
foregone
This term is almost exclusively used as a modifier for the noun conclusion. It describes a situation where the outcome is so obvious or certain that the actual process of reaching that outcome is a mere formality. It carries a tone of inevitability, often suggesting a lack of suspense or a sense of futility in attempting to change the result.
While it is the past participle of the verb forego, in this specific adjectival sense, it functions as a fixed descriptor. It should not be confused with forgo (to do without), although the two were historically interchangeable. In modern usage, foregone specifically signals a predetermined state.
Meanings
Inevitably decided or predetermined before an event actually occurs.
The result of the election was a foregone conclusion.
Examples
The outcome of the election was a foregone conclusion.
The outcome of the election was a foregone conclusion.
It seemed like a foregone conclusion that the company would merge.
The victory was a foregone conclusion from the moment the race started.
I thought the promotion was a foregone conclusion until the new candidate arrived.
The verdict felt like a foregone conclusion to everyone in the courtroom.
Is it really a foregone conclusion that we will lose the game?
The decision to close the old library was a foregone conclusion.
It was a foregone conclusion that the empire would eventually collapse.
It was a foregone conclusion that the empire would eventually collapse.