visionary

Visionary is both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, a visionary is a person who has unusually clear, imaginative ideas about the future, often involving significant change or long-range goals. As an adjective, visionary describes ideas, plans, or leadership that shows foresight, imagination, and a long-term perspective.

Etymology: From Latin visio “a seeing” via Old French visionaire; the term entered English to describe someone who sees ahead and envisions possible futures.

Usage: In business, technology, politics, and the arts, a visionary is someone whose ideas anticipate future needs or transformations. Visionaries are often associated with strategic thinking, trend analysis, and the ability to articulate a compelling future state. Critics may label projects as utopian if they seem unattainable or overly idealistic.

Examples: Historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Nikola Tesla are often described as visionaries, as are modern figures such as Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and Nelson Mandela for their influence on technology, industry, or society.

Related concepts include foresight, futurism, long-term planning, and strategic vision. Visionary thinking emphasizes imagination alongside evidence-based analysis to guide innovation and change.