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n. 1. The indefinite time yet to come: will try to do better in the future. 2. Something that will happen in time to come: "The future comes apace" (Shakespeare). 3. A prospective or expected condition, especially one considered with regard to growth, advancement, or development: a business with no future. 4. often futures A financial instrument that obligates the holder to buy or sell an asset at a set price on a specified date in the future: a market for copper futures. 5. Grammar a. The form of a verb used in speaking of action that has not yet occurred or of states not yet in existence. b. A verb form in the future tense. adj. That is to be or to come; of or existing in later time. [Middle English, from Old French futur, from Latin futūrus, about to be; see bheuə- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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