long-sighted

An elderly man uses long-sighted glasses to read a newspaper.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Able to see distant objects clearly: "long-sighted" describes the condition of being able to see things that are far away with more clarity than things that are near. This is the primary meaning related to vision.
   • Having foresight: "long-sighted" can also describe a person who is able to anticipate future events or plan for the long term.

Usage Examples

• Vision-related:

  • My grandmother is long-sighted, so she can read road signs from a distance but needs glasses for reading a book. (She sees far objects clearly but has difficulty with near objects.)
  • After the age of 40, many people become long-sighted and require bifocals. (The condition of needing help to see close-up items develops with age.)

• Foresight-related:

  • The CEO is very long-sighted, always investing in research that will pay off in decades. (He plans far into the future.)
  • A long-sighted government would build more schools and hospitals today for the next generation. (A government that thinks about future needs.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be long-sighted about something": to consider the future consequences of an action.

  • We need to be long-sighted about climate change and not just focus on short-term profits. (To think about long-term effects rather than immediate benefits.)

• "a long-sighted view": a perspective that looks far into the future.

  • Taking a long-sighted view, the company decided to switch to renewable energy. (Considering future benefits and costs.)

Variants and Related Words

• Long-sightedness (noun): the condition of being long-sighted; also called hyperopia.
  • His long-sightedness means he cannot read without glasses. (The state of having difficulty seeing near objects.)
• Long-sightedly (adverb): in a manner that shows foresight.
  • The plan was long-sightedly designed to last for fifty years. (Designed with future needs in mind.)

Synonyms

• Farsighted: a synonym for both vision and foresight meanings.
  • She is farsighted and can see the mountain peaks clearly. (Able to see distant objects.)
• Hyperopic: a medical term for the vision condition.
  • The optometrist diagnosed him as hyperopic. (Having long-sightedness.)
• Perceptive: having keen insight or foresight.
  • A perceptive leader anticipates problems before they arise. (Similar to the foresight meaning.)

Related Idioms

• Have an eye for the future: to be able to see what will happen later.
  • A good architect has an eye for the future. (Can plan for long-term use.)
• See the big picture: to understand the overall situation, including future implications.
  • He is not just focused on today; he sees the big picture. (Has a long-sighted perspective.)

Antonyms

• Short-sighted: the opposite of long-sighted in both meanings.
  • A short-sighted person cannot see distant objects clearly. (Vision.)
  • A short-sighted decision may cause problems later. (Lack of foresight.)