foretell
UK: fɔːˈtel | US: fɔːrˈtel
vt. to predict or prophesy a future event
vt. to indicate or foreshadow something in advance
foretell = fore<before> + tell<speak>
- fore<before>: From Old English fore-, meaning "before in time or position." Used in words like foresee and forewarn.
- tell<speak>: From Old English tellan, meaning "to count, recount, or announce." Retains its core meaning of communication.
Etymology Origin:
The word foretell combines fore- (indicating precedence) with tell (to communicate). It emerged in Middle English (c. 1300) to describe the act of declaring future events, reflecting a literal "speaking beforehand." The structure mirrors other prophetic terms like forecast and foreshadow, emphasizing anticipation through language.
The ancient oracle sought to foretell the fate of the kingdom.
Dark clouds often foretell a coming storm.
Her dreams seemed to foretell events with uncanny accuracy.
The prophet’s words foretold a great upheaval.
Can anyone truly foretell the future with certainty?