foretell

/fɔːrˈtɛl/ literary

Say it: for-TEL

verb To say what is going to happen in the future, often through special knowledge, intuition, or supernatural insight.
The ancient oracle was said to foretell the fate of kings and empires.

📖 Seen in the wild

Ancient oracles claimed to be able to foretell the destinies of kings and empires.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ foretell in a sentence

Economic models attempt to foretell market fluctuations with varying degrees of success.
The strange alignment of the stars, she claimed, foretold a great change in the kingdom.
It's impossible to foretell exactly how the new policy will affect everyone.
The early frost seemed to foretell a long and difficult winter ahead.
Based on current data, I can't foretell the project's completion date with any certainty.
No one could have foretold the invention of the internet a century ago.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

predict prophesy forecast augur presage portend foresee divine

predict · suggests a logical or scientific basis for the forecast.

prophesy · implies divine inspiration or supernatural revelation.

forecast · typically used for specific, data-driven predictions like weather or economics.

augur · implies interpreting signs or omens to predict an outcome.

Opposites: recount, report, describe, record

🌱 Where it comes from

"Foretell" is a transparent compound word, combining the prefix 'fore-', meaning 'beforehand', with the verb 'tell'. This structure has existed since Old English ('foretellan'), making it a native English term for predicting the future, unlike its Latin-derived cousins like 'predict' and 'prophesy'.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

foretell the futureforetell the outcomeforetell a disasterdifficult to foretellas the prophecy foretold

"Foretell" carries a literary or even mystical connotation, often suggesting prophecy or supernatural insight rather than scientific analysis. While it can be used more neutrally, it sounds more formal and is less common in everyday speech than 'predict'. Use 'predict' for forecasts based on data or evidence, and reserve 'foretell' for situations with a sense of destiny, intuition, or grand importance.

Word family: foreteller, foretelling

💬 Quick answers

What does foretell mean?

To foretell is to state what will happen in the future. The word often implies that this knowledge comes from special insight, intuition, or supernatural means rather than from simple calculation.

What's the difference between foretell and predict?

"Foretell" has a literary or mystical feel, suggesting prophecy or destiny. "Predict" is more neutral and common, typically implying a forecast based on data, evidence, or scientific reasoning.

Is foretell a formal word?

Yes, "foretell" is considered a formal and somewhat literary word. It is not commonly used in casual, everyday conversation, where "predict" or "guess" would be more likely.

Can you foretell something good?

Yes, although it is often associated with serious or ominous events, you can foretell anything, including good fortune, success, or a happy outcome.

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