Definition

A sign or indication of something that will happen in the future.

Example

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

Conversation

I had a strange feeling about the weather today.

Really? What do you mean?

It just seemed like a foretokening of a storm coming soon.

That makes sense; I should probably check the forecast.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Foretokening → It is formed from "fore-" (meaning before) and "token" (from Old English *tacn*, meaning a sign or symbol) and the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process). The word "foretokening" refers to the act of indicating or signaling something before it happens, essentially a sign of what is to come.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'sign' ('token') that comes 'before' ('fore-') an event — that's what foretokening means.

Visually Confused Words