The spelling of "foregone conclusion" is pronounced /fɔːˈɡɒn kənˈkluːʒən/. The word "foregone" is spelled with the prefix "fore" (meaning beforehand) and the past participle of "go." The word "conclusion" is spelled with the prefix "con" (meaning together) and the root word "clusion" (meaning to close). Together, "foregone conclusion" means a result that is already predetermined, inevitable and expected in advance. This phrase is commonly used in conversations referring to situations that are certain to happen without any doubt.
A "foregone conclusion" is a figurative expression used to describe a situation or event that is considered inevitable or predetermined, even before it has occurred. It refers to a particular outcome that is widely expected or assumed given the circumstances, to the point that it is considered certain and predictable in advance. The term originates from legal terminology, where it describes a fact or result that is already established or taken for granted before trial or investigation.
In general usage, a foregone conclusion suggests that the outcome of a particular event, decision, or situation is already clear or certain, leaving no room for doubt or surprise. It implies that there is little or no possibility of an alternative outcome due to the existing evidence, circumstances, or the nature of the event itself.
The phrase often carries a sense of inevitability or finality, suggesting that it is pointless or unnecessary to question or debate the expected result, as it is already known. It can describe situations ranging from sporting events where one team is expected to win overwhelmingly, to political elections where a candidate is considered certain to win due to overwhelming support or an unshakeable advantage.
Overall, "foregone conclusion" is used to emphasize the high level of certainty or predictability attached to an outcome, essentially indicating that it has already been decided or determined.
The etymology of the phrase "foregone conclusion" is derived from the Middle English word "forgon", which means "to go before" or "to precede". The term "conclusion" comes from Latin "conclusio", meaning "ending" or "closing off". When combined, they create the phrase "foregone conclusion", which originally referred to a conclusion or outcome determined in advance or predicted with certainty even before it occurs.