future
future
Pronunciation
First syllable: /ˈfjuː/
/f/ - voiceless labiodental fricative
/j/ - palatal approximant (often perceived as a "y" sound)
/uː/ - close back rounded vowel (long "oo" sound)
Second syllable: /tʃər/
/tʃ/ - voiceless post-alveolar affricate ("ch" sound)
/ər/ - r-colored vowel (schwa + r sound)
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: future
Plural: futures
Adjective: future (no variations)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A period of time yet to come, following the present. This definition refers to the entirety of time that has not yet happened.
Synonyms: time to come, afterlife (in some contexts), prospect, destiny, hereafter
Antonyms: past, present, now
The state or condition that will exist at a later time. This definition focuses on the anticipated reality or outcome.
Synonyms: outlook, prospects, destiny, fate, eventuality
Antonyms: past, history, status quo (in reference to current state)
(Often in plural) Financial contracts obligating the buyer to purchase an asset or the seller to sell an asset at a predetermined future date and price. This is a specific financial term.
Synonyms: future contract, derivatives
Antonyms: spot contract
Adjective
Relating to or existing in time to come; yet to happen or be. This describes something that belongs to or will occur in the future.
Synonyms: coming, prospective, impending, eventual, subsequent
Antonyms: past, present, current, former
Examples of Use
Books:
"The future is an opaque mirror. The past, a looking-glass." (Lermontov, Mikhail. A Hero of Our Time. 1840.) - This classic novel uses "future" in a philosophical sense, contrasting it with the past.
"We cannot control the winds, but we can direct our sails. The future is not something we enter, it is something we create." (Attributed to various sources, often in self-help and motivational literature.) - This exemplifies a common inspirational use of "future" as something actively shaped.
Newspapers:
"Economists debate the future of inflation amidst rising global energy prices." (The Wall Street Journal, June 28, 2025.) - Here, "future" refers to the projected trend or state of an economic indicator.
"Local council approves new sustainable housing development, aiming to secure a greener future for the community." (Daily Nation, June 29, 2025.) - This usage highlights the idea of a desired or planned future state for a group or area.
Online Publications:
"The future of AI: From general intelligence to ethical considerations, experts weigh in." (MIT Technology Review, published online June 27, 2025.) - This showcases "future" in the context of technological advancements and their potential trajectory.
"How Gen Z is shaping the future of work: Flexibility, purpose, and digital fluency." (Forbes.com, published online June 25, 2025.) - This uses "future" to describe an evolving trend or landscape within a specific sector.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Back to the Future" (1985, Universal Pictures). - This iconic movie title uses "future" directly as a destination in time travel, making it a central theme.
Television Series: "Westworld explores the future of artificial intelligence and consciousness through its complex narrative." (HBO, Season 4 description.) - Here, "future" relates to speculative technological and philosophical advancements depicted in the show.
Video Games: "Cyberpunk 2077 depicts a dystopian future dominated by megacorporations and advanced technology." (CD Projekt, 2020.) - In gaming, "future" is often used to describe the setting or genre (e.g., "futuristic").
Music: "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades" (Timbuk3, 1986). - This song title uses "future" in a metaphorical sense, implying a promising outlook.
Podcasts: "In our latest episode, we discuss the future of renewable energy and its impact on global climate change." (The Daily, The New York Times podcast, June 30, 2025 episode.) - Podcasts frequently use "future" when discussing trends, predictions, or upcoming developments.
General Public Discourse:
"I'm really optimistic about the future of this project." (Spoken by a team leader in a business meeting.) - This demonstrates "future" used in a personal or group-oriented outlook on success.
"What are your plans for the future after graduation?" (A common question asked of students.) - This uses "future" in the context of personal life planning and aspirations.
"We need to invest in education for the sake of our children's future." (A statement made during a community discussion on social policy.) - Here, "future" refers to the long-term well-being and prospects of a younger generation.
"Don't dwell on the past; focus on the future." (A common piece of advice.) - This colloquial use emphasizes moving forward and planning for what's next.
10 Famous Quotes Using Future
"The best way to predict the future is to create it." (Peter Drucker)
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." (Eleanor Roosevelt)
"I never think of the future. It comes soon enough." (Albert Einstein)
"The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power." (Unknown, often attributed to various philosophers)
"Study the past if you would define the future." (Confucius)
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." (Malcolm X)
"We are not makers of history. We are made by history." (Martin Luther King Jr. - while not using "future" directly, it speaks to the deterministic nature of the past on what is to come)
"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." (John F. Kennedy)
"The future is not a gift. It is an achievement." (Unknown, often used in motivational contexts)
"Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin." (Mother Teresa - again, not "future" directly, but implies action in the present for what is to come)
Etymology
The word "future" comes from a very old root in Latin that basically means "about to be" or "going to be."
Here's a breakdown:
It originates from the Latin word futurus, which is the future participle of the verb esse, meaning "to be."
So, literally, futurus meant "that which is to be" or "about to be."
When it first came into English around the late 14th century (specifically documented around the 1380s), it was used in much the same way we use it now:
First known use and meaning: Its earliest recorded use in English was as a noun, referring to "time to come" or "the time after the present." It also quickly developed the meaning of "a future event or state."
Essentially, the core idea of something that will happen or is yet to happen has been present in the word's meaning from its very beginnings.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Future
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "future":
In the near future: Very soon.
For the foreseeable future: For as long as it's possible to predict.
The shape of things to come: What the future holds; future developments.
Bright future: A promising outlook.
Distant future: A time far from now.
Future proof: Designed to remain useful or effective in the future, even with technological or other changes.
No future in something: There's no prospect of success or development in a particular activity or relationship.
A thing of the future: Something that is currently advanced or not yet widely available, but will be common later.
To secure one's future: To make financial or other arrangements to ensure well-being later in life.
The future is now: A statement implying that what was once considered futuristic is currently happening or available.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of future from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
