Definition

In a way that suggests something bad or unpleasant will happen.

Example

The dark clouds gathered bodingly over the town, signaling an approaching storm.

Conversation

Did you see the weather forecast for tomorrow?

Yeah, it looks pretty stormy and bodingly gloomy.

I hope it doesn't ruin our plans for the picnic.

Me too! Let's keep an eye on the sky just in case.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bodingly → It is formed from "bode" (from Old English "bōdian", meaning to announce or foretell) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "bodingly" means in a manner that announces or foretells something, often with a sense of foreboding or warning.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bode' as announcing something, and when you add '-ly', it means doing so in a certain way. So, bodingly means to announce or foretell something in a way that suggests it might not be good.

Visually Confused Words