English edit

Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

From Middle English foreboden, from Old English forebodian, equivalent to fore- +‎ bode.

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /fɔːˈbəʊd/
    • (file)
  • Rhymes: -əʊd

Verb edit

forebode (third-person singular simple present forebodes, present participle foreboding, simple past and past participle foreboded)

  1. To predict a future event; to hint at something that will happen (especially as a literary device).
  2. To be prescient of (some ill or misfortune); to have an inward conviction of, as of a calamity which is about to happen; to augur despondingly.
    • 1741, Conyers Middleton, Life of Cicero:
      Sullen, desponding, and foreboding nothing but wars and desolation, as the certain consequence of Caesar's death.
    • 1833–1834 (date written), Alfred Tennyson, “The Two Voices”, in Poems. [], volume II, London: Edward Moxon, [], published 1842, →OCLC, page 135:
      Here sits he shaping wings to fly: / His heart forebodes a mystery: / He names the name Eternity.
    • 1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter XXI, in Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. [], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, [], →OCLC, page 160:
      Walter was disturbed by a low rap at the door. It was so indistinct and hesitating, that, at first, he thought himself mistaken; a second summons, however, led him to rise and open to his visitor. It was the very person that he foreboded—Mr. Curl.

Synonyms edit

Derived terms edit

Translations edit

Noun edit

forebode

  1. (obsolete) prognostication; presage

See also edit

References edit

  • forebode”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.