Definition

In a way that warns or indicates something will happen in the future.

Example

She felt a premonitorily sense of dread before the storm arrived.

Conversation

I had a weird feeling about that storm coming in today.

Really? You think it was premonitorily warning you?

Yeah, it felt like something was off before it even started raining.

That's interesting! Sometimes our instincts really do know before we do.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Premonitorily → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "monitor" (from Latin "monere", meaning to warn). The suffix "-ly" indicates the manner of the action. Thus, "premonitorily" means in a manner that warns beforehand.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pre-' meaning before and 'monitor' meaning to warn — so when something happens 'premonitorily', it is a warning that comes before.

Visually Confused Words