presentiment
UK: /prɪˈzɛntɪmənt/ | US: /prɪˈzɛntəmənt/
n. a vague feeling or intuition about a future event, often of something ominous
presentiment = pre<before> + senti<feel> + ment<noun suffix>
- pre (Latin prae-): Prefix meaning "before" or "ahead."
- senti (Latin sentire): Root meaning "to feel" or "perceive."
- ment (Latin -mentum): Suffix forming nouns indicating a state or result.
Etymology Origin:
Derived from French présentiment (16th century), which combines Latin praesentire ("to foresee or feel beforehand"). The root sentire is shared with words like "sentiment" and "sensation," emphasizing perception. Over time, the word narrowed to describe intuitive forebodings, reflecting its Latin roots in premonitory awareness.
She had a presentiment of danger before the storm hit.
His presentiment about the meeting’s outcome proved accurate.
Despite no evidence, a presentiment told him to avoid the route.
The old legend speaks of presentiments preceding great tragedies.
Artists often describe presentiments guiding their creative choices.