Definition

Describing a feeling that something bad will happen; having a sense of danger or doom.

Example

The dark clouds gave the sky a foreboding look, making everyone feel uneasy.

Conversation

Did you feel that foreboding atmosphere during the movie last night?

Absolutely! It really set the tone for the whole story.

Yeah, I think that foreboding feeling made the ending even more shocking.

For sure! It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A feeling that something bad is going to happen in the future.

Example

She felt a sense of foreboding as the storm clouds gathered.

Conversation

I had this strange feeling all day, like a sense of foreboding about something.

Really? That sounds unsettling. What do you think it could be?

I don't know, maybe I just watched too many horror movies recently.

Root Explanation

Foreboding → It is formed from "fore-" (meaning before) and "bode" (from Old English "bōdian", meaning to announce or proclaim). The word "foreboding" refers to a sense of something bad that is going to happen, as if it is being announced beforehand.

Memory Tip

Think of a feeling that something bad is being 'announced' ('bode') 'before' it happens ('fore-'). This helps you remember that foreboding is a sense of impending doom.

Visually Confused Words