Forebode
Verb
Definition: To act as a warning or prediction of something bad or harmful that is likely to happen in the future.
Synonyms: Foreshadow, Predict, Presage
Antonyms: Assure, Reassure, Calm
Examples:
- The dark clouds forebode a storm.
- The sudden drop in sales forebodes financial difficulties for the company.
Mnemonics:
- "Forebode" sounds similar to "forbode" which means to forbid or prohibit. When something forebodes, it is like a forbidding sign of something bad to come.
Etymology:
Origin:
Middle English, from Old English 'forbodian', from 'for-' (completely, utterly) + 'bodian' (to announce, proclaim)
Historical Usage:The word has been in use since the Middle English period, evolving from its Old English roots.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Foreboding sense"
Explanation:Referring to a feeling or intuition that something bad is going to happen.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Using "forebode" to indicate something positive or beneficial.
Explanation:The word specifically implies a negative or harmful outcome, so it should not be used to describe positive predictions.