Foreshadowed: meaning, definitions and examples

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foreshadowed

 

[ fɔːrˈʃædoʊd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

literature, prediction

Foreshadowed refers to the act of suggesting or indicating an event that will occur in the future, often used in literature to create suspense. It involves the use of hints or clues that help build anticipation in the reader. This device is significant as it prepares the audience for upcoming narratives or developments within a story. By foreshadowing, authors can subtly guide readers' emotions and expectations, making the eventual outcomes more impactful.

Synonyms

hinted, implied, predicted, signaled

Examples of usage

  • The storm clouds foreshadowed trouble ahead.
  • In the opening scene, the subtle cues foreshadow the tragedy to come.
  • The author skillfully foreshadowed the character's betrayal through dialogue.
  • Dreams in the story foreshadow the protagonist's fate.

Translations

Translations of the word "foreshadowed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 presagiado

🇮🇳 पूर्वानुमानित

🇩🇪 vorhergesehen

🇮🇩 ditandai sebelumnya

🇺🇦 попереджений

🇵🇱 zapowiedziany

🇯🇵 前兆がある

🇫🇷 préfiguré

🇪🇸 presagiado

🇹🇷 öngörülen

🇰🇷 전조가 있는

🇸🇦 مُشَارٌ إليه

🇨🇿 předpovězený

🇸🇰 predpovedaný

🇨🇳 预示的

🇸🇮 napovedan

🇮🇸 fyrirfram

🇰🇿 алдын ала болжанған

🇬🇪 წინასწარ ნიშანი

🇦🇿 öncədən xəbərdar edilmiş

🇲🇽 presagiado

Etymology

The term 'foreshadowed' originates from the prefix 'fore-', meaning 'before' or 'in advance,' combined with the word 'shadow,' which conveys the idea of casting a dark image or outline. The earliest use of 'foreshadow' can be traced back to the late 16th century, where it appeared in literature to indicate the practice of providing hints about future events in a story. As narratives evolved, so did the method of foreshadowing, becoming a critical technique in literary storytelling. Authors like Shakespeare and the Brontë sisters employed foreshadowing effectively, influencing its use in both classic and contemporary works. Today, it remains a popular literary device, frequently analyzed in educational settings for its ability to enrich themes and deepen narratives.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,584, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.