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Definition of foretell

foretell

/fɔːrˈtɛl/
fore · tell
Past Simple:foretold
•
Past Participle:foretold
•
Present Participle:foretelling
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foretell Lexical Profile

foretell Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To predict or state what will happen in the future, often through prophecy, intuition, or careful observation.

Example

"Ancient astronomers studied the movements of the stars in an attempt to foretell the changing of the seasons."

2

To serve as an early sign, warning, or indication of a future event or condition.

Example

"The sudden drop in atmospheric pressure and darkening clouds foretold a severe afternoon thunderstorm."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for foretell

• Rhymes for foretell

• Nearby Words

forestland
forestry
foretaste
foretell
foreteller
forethought
forever

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as foretellen, combining the Old English prefix fore- ('before, in advance') with tellan ('to recount, calculate, or declare').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Foretell. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/foretell
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