foretell

[ fawr-tel, fohr- ]

verb (used with object)

, fore·told, fore·tell·ing.

1. to tell of beforehand; predict; prophesy.

   Synonyms: forebode, presage, augur, forecast

foretell

/ fɔːˈtɛl /

verb

1. tr; may take a clause as object to tell or indicate (an event, a result, etc) beforehand; predict

Derived Forms

• foreˈteller, noun

Other Words From

• fore·teller noun
• unfore·told adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of foretell¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, foretell is from the Middle English word fortell. See fore-, tell ¹

Example Sentences

That flash point foretells an America becoming more polarized the hotter things get, more sharply divided between its rural and urban communities and more hateful and more dangerous.

From Salon

Morrissey’s résumé foretold his vision: Old Smoke was a boxing champion, gangster, casino owner, gambler and future United States congressman.

From New York Times

“What we are seeing is a chronicle of a tragedy foretold,” she says.

From Science Magazine

The same goes for teams putting pitchers on the injured list because of soreness that might or might not foretell a serious injury.

From Los Angeles Times

Hitler’s plans were similarly feared and foretold before he cemented his grip on power.

From Salon

Related Words

• anticipate
• augur
• foreshadow
• portend
• prefigure
• presage
• prophesy
• signify