Foretelling: meaning, definitions and examples

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foretelling

[fɔrˈtɛlɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

future prediction

Foretelling is the act of predicting or prophesying future events. It is often associated with divination practices or supernatural abilities.

Synonyms

forecast, prediction, prophecy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
foretelling	This word is often used in mystical or supernatural contexts, where someone is predicting future events using supernatural abilities or visions. The witch was known for her foretelling of great disasters. He had a strange gift for foretelling events that would come to pass.
prediction	This is a general term that can be used in a variety of contexts to describe the act of saying what will happen in the future, often based on some form of evidence or reasoning. She made a prediction about the outcome of the game. Scientists are making predictions about climate change.
prophecy	Often associated with religious, spiritual, or mythological contexts. It usually involves a divine or inspired revelation about the future. The ancient prophecy spoke of a hero who would save the world. Many cultures have their own versions of prophecies concerning the end times.
forecast	Used mainly in the context of predicting the weather or projecting trends based on current data. It implies a more scientific or analytical approach. The weather forecast predicts rain for the weekend. The economic forecast shows a steady growth for the next quarter.

Examples of usage

Many cultures have traditions of foretelling the future through various methods such as reading tea leaves or interpreting dreams.
In ancient times, foretelling was often done by oracles who claimed to have direct communication with the gods.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

omen or sign of the future

Foretelling can also refer to a sign or omen that is believed to predict future events. This can be anything from a black cat crossing your path to a shooting star in the sky.

Synonyms

omen, portent, sign.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
foretelling	Used when someone is predicting future events, often in a detailed and specific manner. It implies a more structured and conscious effort to foresee the future. The prophet's foretelling of the king's fall came true His foretelling of next year's weather patterns was surprisingly accurate
omen	Often used to describe a sign or event that is believed to predict good or bad luck. The term usually carries a more superstitious or mystical tone. The sudden appearance of the black cat was taken as a bad omen Finding a four-leaf clover was seen as a good omen for the journey
sign	A more general term used to indicate any kind of signal or indication of something to come. It can be used in both mundane and serious contexts. The early blooming flowers were a sign that spring was coming The malfunctioning equipment was a sign that something was wrong
portent	Employed to describe something that indicates important or significant future events, usually with a threatening or serious implication. The dark storm clouds on the horizon were a portent of the coming disaster His sudden illness was regarded as a portent of worse days ahead

Examples of usage

The sighting of a rainbow after a storm is often seen as a foretelling of good luck and prosperity.
In many cultures, the appearance of certain animals like owls or ravens is considered a foretelling of death or misfortune.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Old English 'fore' meaning 'before' and 'tellan' meaning 'to tell.'
It has been used in the English language since the late Middle Ages, showing an ancient interest in predicting the future.

Literature

Many famous books and plays, like Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', include characters who foretell the future.
The concept of foretelling is closely tied to many genres, especially fantasy and mystery.

Psychology

Humans have an innate desire to know what will happen next, which can lead to anxiety when the future is uncertain.
Believing in predictions can shape people's behavior and decision-making processes significantly.

Pop Culture

Movies like 'The Matrix' and 'Minority Report' showcase complex themes of predicting the future and its implications.
Fortune-telling practices, such as tarot cards and crystal balls, are very popular in various cultures, often seen as entertainment.

Science

Weather forecasts and scientific predictions are modern forms of foretelling based on data and models.
In fields like economics and health, statistical models are used to predict future trends and changes.

Translations

Translations of the word "foretelling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 adivinhação

🇮🇳 पूर्वकथन

🇩🇪 Vorhersage

🇮🇩 ramalan

🇺🇦 передбачення

🇵🇱 przepowiednia

🇯🇵 予言

🇫🇷 prédiction

🇪🇸 predicción

🇹🇷 kehanet

🇰🇷 예언

🇸🇦 تنبؤ

🇨🇿 věštění

🇸🇰 veštenie

🇨🇳 预言

🇸🇮 prerokovanje

🇮🇸 spádómur

🇰🇿 болжам

🇬🇪 წინასწარმეტყველება

🇦🇿 proqnoz

🇲🇽 predicción

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,191 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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30188 saprophytic
30189 decimation
30190 tinting
30191 foretelling
30192 clumped
30193 concretion
30194 bugbear
...