forebode
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /fɔːrˈboʊd/
KK: /fɔrˈboʊd/
intransitive verb
Definition
To predict that something bad will happen in the future.
Example
The dark clouds seem to forebode a storm coming our way.
Tense Forms
Past: foreboded
Past Participle: foreboded
Conversation
I have a feeling that something bad is going to happen this weekend.
Really? What makes you say that?
I don't know, it just seems to forebode trouble with all the strange things going on lately.
Maybe you’re just being paranoid, but I’ll keep an eye out too.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
predict
foretell
portend
Antonyms
ignore
disregard
overlook
transitive verb
Definition
To predict or warn about something bad that might happen in the future.
Example
The dark clouds seemed to forebode a storm coming our way.
Tense Forms
Past: foreboded
Past Participle: foreboded
Conversation
Have you ever felt like something bad was going to happen?
Yeah, sometimes I get that feeling, like a sense of dread.
Exactly! Those moments really forebode trouble ahead, don't you think?
Root Explanation
Forebode → It is formed from "fore-" (meaning before) and "bode" (from Old English "bodian", meaning to announce or proclaim). The word "forebode" means to announce or predict something before it happens, often with a sense of forewarning.
Memory Tip
Think of something being 'announced' ('bode') 'before' ('fore-') it happens — that's why forebode means to predict or warn about future events.
Visually Confused Words
unforeboded
forbore
forbade