Foreboding Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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foreboding
[fษrหboสdษชล ]
Definitions
feeling
A feeling that something bad is going to happen; premonition.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| foreboding |
Use 'foreboding' to describe a deep, intense feeling that something bad is going to happen. This word often carries a heavy, serious connotation.
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| apprehension |
Use 'apprehension' to describe a mild worry or anxiety about something in the future. It doesn't necessarily imply something terrible is going to happen, but there is an unease.
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| dread |
Use 'dread' when referring to a very strong fear or anxiety about something unpleasant or threatening. This word implies a stronger emotional response than 'apprehension'.
|
| ominous |
Use 'ominous' to describe something that appears threatening or likely to cause fear, often through a sign or an event. It is used to suggest that something bad or harmful is going to happen.
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Examples of usage
- She couldn't shake off the sense of foreboding that had been haunting her all day.
- The dark clouds overhead gave him a sense of foreboding.
atmosphere
Implying or seeming to imply that something bad is going to happen.
Synonyms
ominous, sinister, threatening.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| foreboding |
Used to describe a strong feeling that something bad is going to happen. It is often associated with an internal sense of unease or worry.
|
| ominous |
Used to describe something that gives the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen. It often refers to external signs or events.
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| sinister |
Used to describe something that seems evil or harmful. It often implies a sense of danger or a hidden threat.
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| threatening |
Used to describe something that poses a danger or seems likely to cause harm. It often conveys a clear and direct sense of menace.
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Examples of usage
- The foreboding atmosphere in the old abandoned house sent shivers down her spine.
- His foreboding words made her uneasy about the future.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- The feeling of foreboding often creates suspense in stories, enhancing reader engagement and emotional investment.
- Classic literature, such as Shakespeare's plays, frequently used this device to foreshadow tragic events and create dramatic tension.
- Modern thrillers, like those by Stephen King, often rely on this emotional cue to instill fear and apprehension in readers.
Psychology
- Experiencing foreboding can trigger a stress response, activating the fight-or-flight system in our brains.
- People with heightened anxiety may experience foreboding more intensely, often causing them to overestimate potential threats in their environment.
- Cognitive distortions such as catastrophizing can lead us to feel more frequently apprehensive about the future.
Pop Culture
- Films like 'The Sixth Sense' use subtle cues and music to instill foreboding, enhancing the viewer's emotional response.
- Video games often incorporate this feeling to immerse players, making them aware that danger might lurk around the corner.
- Even songs can invoke a sense of foreboding through their lyrics and melodies, creating an overall atmosphere of impending doom.
History
- Throughout history, various cultures have interpreted signs in nature, like unusual animal behavior or weather patterns, as foreboding omens.
- Events such as wars or natural disasters were often preceded by feelings of foreboding, deeply impacting local communities.
- Famous historical figures, including philosophers and leaders, have often discussed the significance of intuition, noting how foreboding can inform decision-making.
Origin of 'foreboding'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Middle English, where 'forbode' means 'to predict' or 'to foretell.'
- It is derived from the Old English 'forbลdian,' which combined 'for-' (before) with 'bลd' (to announce).
- The prefix 'fore-' suggests anticipation, making it clear that something ominous is expected.
The word 'foreboding' originated from the Middle English word 'forboden', which meant 'to announce or foreshow'. It evolved over time to carry the meaning of a sense of impending evil or misfortune. The concept of foreboding has been present in various cultures and folklore, often associated with superstitions and omens. People have long been fascinated by the idea of predicting the future, and the word 'foreboding' captures this sense of anticipation, whether positive or negative.
See also: forebodingly.