forebode
/fɔːˈbəʊd/
Group 34Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To act as a warning that something bad is going to happen; to have a presentiment of something bad GRE
Example in Context
The early election returns foreboded a difficult night for the incumbent, whose support had fallen sharply in traditionally reliable districts.
Etymology
To announce something bad BEFORE it happens.
- fore- (Old English) — before
- bode (Old English) — to announce
Memory Aid
🔮Sounds like “four bodes”
If you have FOUR BODES, you better run — it FORBODES a disaster!
Visual Association
⚠️A dark storm cloud looming ominously over a picnic, signaling impending doom.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “forebode” mean on the GRE?
forebode (verb) means “To act as a warning that something bad is going to happen; to have a presentiment of something bad”. The early election returns foreboded a difficult night for the incumbent, whose support had fallen sharply in traditionally reliable districts.
How to remember “forebode” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “forebode” sounds like “four bodes”. If you have FOUR BODES, you better run — it FORBODES a disaster!