Foreboding: meaning, definitions and examples

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foreboding

[fɔrˈboʊdɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling

A feeling that something bad is going to happen; premonition.

Synonyms

apprehension, dread, ominous.

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. She had a sense of foreboding as she entered the old, abandoned house. The dark clouds cast a foreboding shadow over the village.
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. He felt a bit of apprehension about starting his new job. There was a sense of apprehension among the students before the test.
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'. She felt dread at the thought of giving a speech in front of so many people. He was filled with dread as he waited for the results of the medical tests.
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. The ominous storm clouds gathered on the horizon. There was an ominous silence in the room after the news was announced.

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.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

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. She had a sense of foreboding before the storm hit The dark clouds gave him a feeling of foreboding
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. The ominous clouds gathered on the horizon The silence in the room was ominous, hinting at bad news to come
sinister	Used to describe something that seems evil or harmful. It often implies a sense of danger or a hidden threat. There was something sinister about the way he smiled The old house had a sinister appearance under the moonlight
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. The threatening behavior of the storm made everyone seek shelter Her tone was threatening, making it clear she was not to be crossed

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Middle English, where 'forbode' means 'to predict' or 'to foretell.'
It is derived from the Old English 'forbōdian,' which combined 'for-' (before) with 'bōd' (to announce).
The prefix 'fore-' suggests anticipation, making it clear that something ominous is expected.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "foreboding" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pressentimento

🇮🇳 अपूर्वाभास

🇩🇪 böses Vorzeichen

🇮🇩 firasat buruk

🇺🇦 передчуття

🇵🇱 przeczucie

🇯🇵 不吉な予感

🇫🇷 présage

🇪🇸 presentimiento

🇹🇷 iç sıkıntısı

🇰🇷 불길한 예감

🇸🇦 شعور سيء

🇨🇿 předtucha

🇸🇰 predtucha

🇨🇳 不祥的预感

🇸🇮 slutnja

🇮🇸 ónotatilfinning

🇰🇿 жаман сезім

🇬🇪 წინათგრძნობა

🇦🇿 pis hiss

🇲🇽 presentimiento

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,827, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
20824 velvety
20825 bulbous
20826 fearlessly
20827 foreboding
20828 demesne
20829 louse
20830 airing
...