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Foretell: meaning, definitions and examples

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foretell

 

[fɔːˈtɛl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

future prediction

To foretell means to predict or forecast the future based on signs, omens, or intuition. It involves foreseeing events before they actually happen.

Synonyms

anticipate, forecast, predict, prophesy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
foretell

When talking about predicting future events in a mystical or supernatural context, often linked to visions or prophetic abilities.

  • The ancient seer could foretell the coming of great changes.
  • Legends say that the oracle can foretell the future.
predict

In general contexts where you make an educated guess about future events, based on evidence or logical reasoning.

  • Scientists predict that the new technology will revolutionize the industry.
  • He predicted that the team would win the championship.
forecast

Commonly used in a scientific or statistical context, especially related to weather, economics, or trends.

  • The weather forecast predicts rain for tomorrow.
  • Experts forecast a significant economic downturn.
prophesy

Used in a religious or mystical context, implying a divine or supernatural source of knowledge about the future, often with a formal or serious tone.

  • The holy man claimed he could prophesy the return of peace to the land.
  • Ancient texts prophesy the coming of a new era.
anticipate

In situations where you expect something to happen based on knowledge or experience, often involving preparation for that event.

  • We anticipate a rise in sales over the holiday season.
  • She could anticipate his moves in the chess game.

Examples of usage

  • He foretold the coming of a great storm.
  • She has the ability to foretell future events.
  • The ancient oracle was believed to foretell the fate of individuals.
  • They claim to foretell the winner of the competition.
  • The fortune teller foretold that she would meet her true love soon.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Old English, with 'fore' meaning 'before' and 'tellan' meaning 'to tell'.
  • Related words include 'predict' and 'prophesy', both of which imply telling about the future.

Literature

  • Many classic stories and plays include characters who can foretell events, adding intrigue and suspense.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters sometimes deliver prophecies that shape the plot and character decisions.

Science

  • Scientists often foretell future weather conditions using data and models, helping people prepare for storms.
  • In sociology, researchers may foretell trends in society based on current cultural movements and historical patterns.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The Matrix' feature plots that involve foretelling events, challenging characters' choices.
  • Many fortune-telling practices in pop culture, like tarot cards and crystal balls, center around the idea of foretelling destiny.

Psychology

  • Cognitive biases can influence how people foretell future events, often leading to overconfidence in their predictions.
  • Some psychologists study how humans make predictions about the future based on past experiences and learned patterns.

Translations

Translations of the word "foretell" in other languages:

🇵🇹 predizer

🇮🇳 भविष्यवाणी करना

🇩🇪 vorhersagen

🇮🇩 meramalkan

🇺🇦 передбачати

🇵🇱 przepowiadać

🇯🇵 予言する (yogen suru)

🇫🇷 prédire

🇪🇸 predecir

🇹🇷 öngörmek

🇰🇷 예언하다 (yeonhada)

🇸🇦 يتنبأ (yatana'ba)

🇨🇿 předpovědět

🇸🇰 predpovedať

🇨🇳 预言 (yùyán)

🇸🇮 napovedovati

🇮🇸 spá

🇰🇿 болжау

🇬🇪 წინასწარმეტყველება (ts'inasts'armet'q'veleba)

🇦🇿 proqnozlaşdırmaq

🇲🇽 predecir

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,424, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.