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feedforward

feedforward

8.4
A process that uses information about expected events to guide actions before they happen
  • noun
  • /ˈfiːdˌfɔːrwərd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : feedforward
  • In humans, the effect of certain hallucinogens appears to be associated with a disruption in cortical feedforward and feedback processing.

Examples

  • The title is beyond me this morning, though, "feedforward."

    Blog text (27)
  • Feedforward may be explained as a phenomenon symmetrical to feedback.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Originally, feedforward meant that information about the anticipated results of a process was used to modify the process itself.

    Academic text (1991)
  • While feedback refers to the mechanism of the effect as a cause, feedforward denotes the mechanism of prediction (of effect) as a cause.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Such self-stabilizing feedforward loops are typical in synaptic plasticity.

    Academic text (2017)
  • The problem with that particular point of view is that if you begin as a material, for example, with something that is wholly objective, which has no trace of subjectivity to begin with, how then can you get something—subjectivity—that did not exist in the original stuff, no matter how complex it was, no matter how many feedbacks and feedforwards occurred?

    Academic text (2001)
  • The process of feedforward allows managers to anticipate challenges by adjusting strategies based on predicted outcomes.

  • In engineering, feedforward mechanisms are used to enhance performance by predicting future scenarios instead of merely reacting to past events.

  • Effective feedforward involves using insights about likely results to inform decision-making ahead of time.

Synonyms

lookahead
vsfeedforward
5.5

Thinking about future needs to plan and avoid problems

uses expected event information to guide actions in advance
prospection
vsfeedforward
  • Specialized
8.3

To imagine and plan for the future

focuses on using expected event information to guide actions rather than broad planning

How Anticipatory

feedforward
  • Specialized
8.4
planning
507 2.2
prediction
375 2.6

Surface Forms

feedforward singular
feedforwards plural

Morphology

feedforward = feed (semi-transparent) = forward + feed

The noun is a straightforward compound of 'feed' + 'forward', but its abstract, anticipatory meaning is a technical extension that may be unfamiliar to some learners. [Postprocessing: moved 'forward' from base_words to prefix]

Etymology

Feedforward comes from the parts feed ('to give or supply') and forward ('ahead'). As a noun, it names a process that uses information about expected events to guide what you do in advance.