foretell

/fɔːˈtel/ (bre, ipa) · /fɔːrˈtel/ (ame, ipa) · /fȯr-ˈtel/ (ame, mw)

foretell — verb

  • foretellpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • foretellshe / she / it
  • foretoldpast simple
  • foretelling-ing form

1. to claim or work out, often through dreams, prophecy, or careful study, that a p

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to claim or work out, often through dreams, prophecy, or careful study, that a particular event will happen before it actually does.

例句

An old village seer foretold that a great storm would strike the harbour before dawn.

foretell + that-clause for prophetic statements

Aoi's grandmother claimed her tea leaves could foretell the outcome of any wedding.

foretell + noun phrase as object

同義詞
  • predict

    neutral, everyday word; based on data or reasoning rather than prophecy

  • prophesy

    stronger religious or mystical connotation than foretell

  • forecast

    based on systematic analysis, especially weather, economics, or trends

  • presage

    very formal; often used of signs or omens that hint at coming events

反義詞
  • recount

    to tell about past events rather than future ones

文法句型

foretell + noun

foretell + that-clause

foretell + wh-clause

用法筆記

Formal and literary register; in everyday English, 'predict' or 'forecast' is preferred. Subject is often a prophet, oracle, sign, or omen rather than an ordinary person making a logical guess.

常見錯誤

❌The weather report foretells rain tomorrow.
✅The weather report predicts rain tomorrow.
💡'foretell' suggests prophecy or mystical insight, not routine forecasting.
❌I foretold you this would happen.
✅I told you this would happen.' / 'I predicted this would happen.
💡'foretell' is not used in casual 'I told you so' contexts.