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Foreboded Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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foreboded

[fɔːrˈboʊd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

sense of prediction

Forebode is a verb that means to indicate or warn of a future event or occurrence, typically something negative or ominous. It often implies a sense of forewarning or concern about what is to come. When someone forebodes, they may feel a deep-seated intuition or fear about an impending situation. Such feelings can stem from personal experiences or cultural beliefs regarding omens and signs. The term is commonly used in literature and storytelling to create an atmosphere of dread or anticipation.

Synonyms

foreshadow, omen, portend, predict, signal.

Examples of usage

  • The dark clouds seemed to forebode a storm.
  • His expression foreboded trouble ahead.
  • The signs foreboded disaster if they did not prepare.
  • The eerie silence foreboded something sinister.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Authors often use foreboding as a literary device to create tension and suspense in stories.
  • Shakespeare's works frequently illustrate foreboding, giving characters a sense of impending doom.
  • In Gothic literature, foreboding elements create an eerie atmosphere, enhancing the feeling of dread.

Psychology

  • People's intuition can often lead them to feel foreboded, as the brain picks up subtle cues from their environment.
  • Studies show that individuals who are more anxious may be more prone to feelings of foreboding.
  • The concept relates to cognitive biases where one might overestimate risks based on previous experiences.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, foreboding music often signals danger or trouble ahead, preparing the audience for shocks.
  • The concept of foreboding appears in many horror films, enhancing the fear factor and emotional response.
  • Famous songs often use foreboding lyrics to explore themes of heartbreak or ominous changes.

History

  • Throughout history, many cultures have interpreted omens and signs as forebodings of future disasters or events.
  • Historical figures such as Nostradamus were known for making predictions, many of which echo the feeling of foreboding.
  • In folklore, certain animals or occurrences were considered harbingers of misfortune, deepening the sense of foreboding.

Origin of 'foreboded'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'forbode,' which means 'to announce beforehand.'
  • It combines 'for-' (before) and 'bode' (to announce or indicate), showing how it relates to warnings.
  • It has its roots in Proto-Germanic, evolving through several languages while maintaining the original sense of warning.

The word 'forebode' originates from the Old English term 'forbodan', meaning 'to command or prohibit'. The 'fore-' prefix means 'before' or 'in advance', while 'bode' comes from a Germanic root meaning 'to announce' or 'to declare'. The term evolved over centuries, retaining its ominous connotation. It came to embody the idea of warning or predicting what is to come, especially in an unfavorable or troubling manner. By the time it entered Middle English, it had developed the modern sense of indicating something horrifying or foretelling doom. Its literary use can often be found in works that aim to evoke feelings of apprehension, suggesting that the future may hold unfavorable events based on present indicators.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,656, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.