Meaning & Definition of word "Foretell"

Foretell

/fɔːrˈtɛl/

verb:

  • 1. to predict or announce in advance; to tell beforehand.
    • Example: The psychic claimed she could foretell the future with her tarot cards.
  • 2. to indicate or suggest something that will happen in the future.
    • Example: The dark clouds in the sky seemed to foretell an approaching storm.
  • 3. to prophesy; to make a prediction about future events.
    • Example: Many ancient cultures sought to foretell the outcomes of battles through various omens.
  • 4. to indicate in advance, usually in a cautious or interpretive manner.
    • Example: 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 of foretell

Meaning: to call it

Example Sentence: I can call it that this movie will be a hit.

Meaning: to see it coming

Example Sentence: I totally saw that breakup coming.