Definition

A person or thing that indicates or suggests what will happen in the future.

Example

The dark clouds were a foreshadower of the storm to come.

Conversation

Did you notice how that scene acted as a foreshadower for the ending?

Yeah, it really hinted at what was going to happen next!

I love when movies do that; it makes you think back on everything.

Exactly! It adds so much depth to the story.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Foreshadower → It is formed from "fore-" (meaning before) and "shadow" (from Old English *sceadu*, meaning shade or shadow) and the suffix "-er" (meaning a person who). The word refers to a person or thing that indicates or suggests something that will happen in the future, casting a 'shadow' of what is to come.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who gives a 'hint' or 'indication' ('fore-') of what is to come, like casting a 'shadow' ('shadow') ahead of time.

Visually Confused Words