forboding
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /fɔːrˈboʊdɪŋ/
KK: /fɔrˈboʊdɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Serving as a warning of something bad that may happen in the future.
Example
The dark clouds in the sky gave a forboding feeling about the storm.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more forboding
Superlative: most forboding
Conversation
Did you feel that forboding weather yesterday?
Yeah, it definitely seemed like a storm was coming.
I couldn't shake off that forboding feeling all day.
Same here! I was glad when the sun finally came out.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
ominous
threatening
portentous
Antonyms
promising
auspicious
hopeful
verb
Definition
To indicate or predict that something bad will happen in the future.
Example
The dark clouds seemed to forebode a storm coming our way.
Tense Forms
Past: forbade
Past Participle: forbidden
Conversation
I have a feeling that something bad is going to happen tonight.
Really? Why do you say that?
I just can't shake this sense of forboding I have.
Root Explanation
Forboding is formed from "for-" (meaning before or in advance) and "bode" (from Old English "bōdian", meaning to announce or proclaim). The word refers to a sense of predicting or announcing something negative or ominous in advance.
Memory Tip
Think of a feeling that comes 'before' ('for-') a bad event is 'announced' ('bode') — that's why forboding means a sense of impending doom.
Visually Confused Words
foreboding
fording
unforeboding
forebodingly
overboding
flooding
roding
boding