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Foretelling: meaning, definitions and examples

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foretelling

 

[ fɔrˈtɛlɪŋ ]

Noun
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

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

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.

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

Etymology

The word 'foretelling' has its origins in the Old English word 'foretellian', which means 'to predict or prophesy'. The concept of foretelling the future has been a part of human culture for centuries, with various methods and practices used across different civilizations. From ancient oracles to modern-day fortune tellers, the act of foretelling continues to capture the imagination of people seeking to know what the future holds.

See also: foretell, retelling, tell, telling, telly.

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.