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Premonitory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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premonitory

[ˌprɛməˈnɪt(ə)ri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Serving to warn beforehand; giving a forewarning. Predictive of future events.

Synonyms

foreboding, predictive, prophesying, prophetic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
premonitory

Same as previously mentioned: used when describing something that gives a warning about future events, especially in a way that indicates danger or misfortune.

  • She had a premonitory dream about the shipwreck
  • The premonitory signs of a coming storm were clear in the sky
prophetic

Typically used when describing something that accurately predicts future events, and can be used in both religious and non-religious contexts.

  • His warning proved to be prophetic, as everything he mentioned came true
  • The book's message was eerily prophetic, predicting many of the changes in society
foreboding

Often used when feeling an intense sense of impending doom or bad events, usually associated with a negative feeling or anxiety.

  • A sense of foreboding filled the air as they approached the deserted house
  • Her foreboding thoughts made her hesitate before entering the dark alley
predictive

Commonly used when referring to something that can predict future outcomes, often based on data or patterns.

  • The predictive model showed a significant drop in sales for the next quarter
  • Her predictive skills in market trends proved highly valuable
prophesying

Used in a more formal or religious context, often involving a divine or supernatural prediction about the future.

  • The old sage was known for often prophesying the destinies of those who came to seek his wisdom
  • In the ancient texts, many prophets were depicted as prophesying great events

Examples of usage

  • The dark clouds were premonitory of the approaching storm.
  • Her premonitory dreams often came true.
  • The sudden drop in stock prices was premonitory of the economic downturn.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Some researchers study premonitory feelings as part of intuitive experiences, linking them to subconscious processing.
  • People often describe having a premonitory sense prior to events like natural disasters or personal crises.

Literature

  • Many classic novels use premonitory visions to foreshadow events, creating suspense and engagement in the plot.
  • In Shakespeare's works, characters often receive premonitions that hint at tragic outcomes, highlighting the theme of fate.

Pop Culture

  • Films like 'Final Destination' depict characters experiencing premonitory visions that warn them of impending danger.
  • In certain superstitions, dreams are seen as premonitory, with people believing they can foretell future events.

Science

  • Some scientists explore the idea that heightened awareness or sensory cues can lead to premonitory feelings in certain individuals.
  • Research into animal behavior shows that many species may exhibit premonitory instincts, alerting them to changes in their environment.

Origin of 'premonitory'

Main points about word origin

  • The root of the word comes from the Latin 'praemonere', which means 'to forewarn' or 'to warn beforehand'.
  • It comprises the prefix 'pre-', meaning 'before', and 'monitory', relating to watching or advising.

The word 'premonitory' originates from the Latin word 'praemonitus', which means 'forewarned'. The concept of forewarning or predicting future events has been present in various cultures and belief systems throughout history. People have long been fascinated by the idea of receiving signs or warnings about what is to come, leading to the creation of words like 'premonitory' to describe such phenomena.

See also: premonitions.