Part of Speech

Noun (plural)

Pronunciation

/ˈfjuːtʃərz/

Definitions

1. The time or period that is yet to come.

2. A concept or series of events that is expected or planned to occur in the time ahead.

3. Financial contracts that obligate the buyer to purchase an asset or the seller to sell an asset at a predetermined future date and price, typically in relation to commodities or financial instruments.

Usage Examples

• "The futures of our society depend on the choices we make today."
• "The stock market was volatile, with futures contracts on commodities fluctuating rapidly."
• "The idea of time travel opens up many fascinating possibilities for exploring the futures of humankind."

Etymology

The word "futures" is derived from the word "future," with the plural form typically used to refer to multiple possible events or projections of what is to come. In the context of financial markets, the term has evolved to denote specific contracts for the purchase or sale of commodities or securities.

Synonyms

• Destinies
• Time ahead
• Prospects
• Eventualities
• Outlook

Antonyms

• Past
• Present
• History
• Antiquity
• Now

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

While "futures" is generally pronounced the same across English-speaking regions, some accents may vary in how they articulate the vowel sounds. For example, in some British dialects, the "u" in "futures" may sound more like a short "u" (/ʊ/), whereas American English might use a more prolonged "oo" (/uː/). However, the meaning and usage remain consistent across dialects.

Historical Usage

The term "futures" as a financial contract first appeared in the United States in the mid-19th century, related to agricultural commodities. Since then, the usage of "futures" has expanded globally, with financial markets offering these contracts for a wide range of assets, including stock indices, commodities, and currencies. The use of the word in a broader sense to refer to the time ahead or the potential outcomes of human action has existed for centuries.

Cultural Nuances

The concept of "futures" is often tied to both individual and societal outlooks. In cultures that emphasize planning and foresight, "futures" are seen as opportunities for progress and improvement. However, in more fatalistic or traditional cultures, the future may be viewed as something beyond one's control. The idea of "futures" plays a crucial role in storytelling, economics, and philosophy, where it can represent everything from hope and innovation to uncertainty and existential crisis.

More Information

The word "futures" has a dual meaning: one, referring to the time yet to come, and the other referring to financial instruments that are used in modern economies for trading and risk management. In the former sense, the term is an essential part of discussions about time, human potential, and destiny. In the latter, it plays a critical role in the financial markets, allowing investors to hedge risks or speculate on the price movements of assets. In both contexts, "futures" represents a concept tied to what is yet to come, often colored by uncertainty and the unpredictability of life and markets.