forebode
UK: fɔːˈbəʊd | US: fɔːrˈboʊd
vt. to predict or warn of something bad in advance
vi. to act as an omen or sign of future misfortune
forebode = fore<before> + bode<predict>
- fore: From Old English fore-, meaning "before" (in time or place).
- bode: From Old English bodian, meaning "to announce, predict," derived from boda (messenger).
Etymology Origin:
The word forebode combines fore- (a prefix indicating precedence) with bode (to predict). It originally referred to literal prophecies or omens but evolved to emphasize a sense of impending doom. The logic is straightforward: "fore" sets the temporal context, while "bode" conveys the act of prediction, often with negative connotations.
The dark clouds forebode a coming storm.
Her silence seemed to forebode bad news.
Ancient cultures believed eclipses foreboded disaster.
His nervous laughter foreboded an awkward conversation.
The sudden drop in temperature forebodes a harsh winter.