futures
word · lemma: future
Definition
"Futures" most commonly refers to financial contracts where you agree to buy or sell something at a set price in the future. It can also be the plural of "future," meaning more than one possible time or event that will happen next.
Usage & Nuances
In finance, "futures" (almost always plural) refers specifically to standardized contracts traded on exchanges. Not to be confused with the general meaning of future events. Technical contexts use "futures contract" for a specific deal. As simple plural ('the possible futures'), used in discussions about destiny or science fiction.
Example Sentences
Traders buy and sell futures to make a profit.
basic
She studies different possible futures for the planet.
basic
Futures contracts are traded on the stock exchange.
basic
Nobody can predict all the futures that might come true.
natural
With futures, investors can lock in prices months ahead.
natural
Science fiction writers imagine many strange futures for humanity.
natural