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Foreshadowing: meaning, definitions and examples

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foreshadowing

 

[ ˈfɔːrˌʃæd.oʊ.ɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

literature

Foreshadowing is a literary device in which a writer gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story. It often appears at the beginning of a story, or a chapter, and helps the reader anticipate the outcome.

Synonyms

omen, premonition, sign.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
foreshadowing

Used in literature or storytelling to hint at future events.

  • The ominous clouds were foreshadowing a storm to come
  • The early mentions of the character's fear of heights were foreshadowing the eventual cliff scene
premonition

Refers to a strong feeling that something is about to happen, often something unpleasant, without specific evidence.

  • She had a premonition that something terrible was going to happen
  • Despite no obvious signs, he couldn't shake his premonition of danger
omen

Often used to describe something believed to be a sign of future events, usually of significant or serious nature.

  • A black cat crossing your path is considered by some to be a bad omen
  • The sudden drop in the stock market was seen as an omen of an economic recession
sign

A general term that can indicate any indication or evidence suggesting that something is about to happen.

  • The first signs of spring were the blooming flowers
  • The darkening sky was a sign that rain was approaching

Examples of usage

  • His nightmares were a foreshadowing of the tragedy that would soon unfold.
  • The mysterious stranger's warning was a foreshadowing of the danger lurking ahead.
  • The dark storm clouds were a foreshadowing of the impending chaos.
Context #2 | Verb

film

In film, foreshadowing is a technique used to hint at events that will occur later in the movie. It creates suspense and prepares the audience for what is to come.

Synonyms

foretell, hint at, suggest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hint at

Use 'hint at' when you want to imply something without directly stating it, often used for subtler suggestions.

  • Her smile hinted at a secret she wasn't ready to share.
  • The director hinted at a sequel during the interview.
suggest

Use 'suggest' when you want to propose something indirectly, often used in making recommendations or giving ideas.

  • The evidence suggests that he is innocent.
  • I suggest we take a different route to avoid traffic.
foretell

Use 'foretell' when talking about predicting future events, often with a sense of certainty or through supernatural means.

  • The ancient prophecy foretold the rise of a great hero.
  • She claims she can foretell the future by reading palms.

Examples of usage

  • The camera lingering on a particular object is a common way to foreshadow its importance later in the film.
  • The ominous music playing in the background was foreshadowing the arrival of the villain.

Etymology

The term 'foreshadowing' originated from the combination of 'fore-' meaning 'before' and 'shadow', indicating a hint or indication of something to come. It has been widely used in literature and film to create suspense and engage audiences by giving them subtle clues about future events in the narrative.

See also: foreshadow, overshadow, shadowed, shadowily, shadowing, shadowy.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,078, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.