bode
UK: bəʊd | US: boʊd
vt. to be an omen or warning sign of (a future event)
vi. (archaic) to announce or foretell
The word bode traces back to Old English bodian, rooted in the Germanic bod- ("message" or "proclamation"). It originally meant "to announce" or "to proclaim," often with a prophetic connotation. Over time, it narrowed to specifically imply foretelling, especially of ominous events. The verb suffix -e (now silent in pronunciation) was typical in Middle English. The word’s evolution reflects its shift from general proclamation to a focus on foreshadowing, often negative (e.g., "bode ill").
The dark clouds bode a storm.
His silence did not bode well for their negotiation.
Ancient seers claimed to bode the future through dreams.
The economic indicators bode poorly for next quarter.
A sudden drop in temperature may bode snowfall.