Foretell

/fɔːrˈtɛl/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to predict or announce in advance; to tell beforehand.
The psychic claimed she could foretell the future with her tarot cards.
to indicate or suggest something that will happen in the future.
The dark clouds in the sky seemed to foretell an approaching storm.
to prophesy; to make a prediction about future events.
Many ancient cultures sought to foretell the outcomes of battles through various omens.
to indicate in advance, usually in a cautious or interpretive manner.
The economic indicators foretell a possible recession if the trends continue.

Etymology

Middle English 'fortellen', from 'for-' meaning 'before' and 'tellen' meaning 'to tell'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

foretell the future
to make predictions about what will happen later
foretell doom
to predict impending disaster or calamity
foretell events
to announce or indicate future occurrences
foretell disaster
to indicate that something disastrous is likely to happen
foretell a change
to predict that a transformation or a shift will occur

Related Words

prediction
the act of forecasting or estimating something that will happen in the future
prophecy
a prediction of what will happen in the future, often through divine inspiration
omen
an event regarded as a portent of good or evil
sign
an indication that something will happen or is likely to happen
augury
a sign of what will happen in the future; an omen

Slang Meanings

to call it
I can call it that this movie will be a hit.
to see it coming
I totally saw that breakup coming.