Prévoyant

Prévoyant is a French adjective derived from the present participle of the verb prévoir. It describes a person or an attitude that anticipates future needs and arranges measures accordingly. The feminine form is prévoyante; the plural forms are prévoyants (masc.) and prévoyantes (fem.). The term can also apply to actions, plans, or systems that anticipate the future, such as a prévoyante policy or financial savings.

Etymology: prévoyant comes from prévoir, which itself comes from the Latin providere, literally “to see beforehand” (pro- “before” + videre “to see”).

Usage and nuance: the word carries a positive connotation of practical foresight and prudent planning. In English, equivalents include foresighted or provident, with prescient conveying a stronger sense of outstanding foresight. The related noun is prévoyance, meaning foresight, provision, or the broader notion of future security, including social or financial arrangements.

Examples: “Un dirigeant prévoyant constitue des réserves pour les périodes difficiles.” “Elle est prévoyante et épargne régulièrement.” In everyday language, being prévoyant is generally viewed as a virtue in contexts such as budgeting, risk management, and long-term planning.

See also: prévoyance, prévoir, prévoirité (less common), prudence. The term is used across formal and informal registers to describe attitudes or actions oriented toward anticipating and preparing for what may come.