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.

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