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foretell

verb

/fɔrˈtɛl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of foretell

To predict or prophesize future events or outcomes.
"The fortune teller claimed to foretell the future through her tarot cards."

Detailed meaning of foretell

It involves making predictions or statements about what will happen in the future based on insights, intuition, or supernatural abilities. When someone foretells something, they claim to have knowledge or foresight about events that have not yet occurred. This can be done through various means, such as analyzing signs, interpreting symbols, or tapping into divination practices. Foretelling often carries a sense of authority or mysticism, as those who claim to possess this ability are believed to have insight beyond ordinary human perception. The act of foretelling is associated with predictions of both positive and negative events and can be found in various cultural, religious, and spiritual practices. However, it is important to note that the accuracy and reliability of foretelling are highly subjective and vary greatly depending on individual beliefs and interpretations.

Example sentences containing foretell

1. The ancient text was believed to foretell the coming of a great leader.
2. The ominous thunderclouds foretold an approaching storm.
3. Some people believe that dreams can foretell significant events in their lives.
4. The prophetess was said to possess the gift of foretelling events yet to unfold.
5. The old folklore foretold of a hidden treasure buried deep in the mountains.
6. The astrologer studied the positions of the stars to foretell the destiny of individuals.

History and etymology of foretell

The verb 'foretell' is a combination of two elements: 'fore' and 'tell.' 'Fore' comes from Old English, where it meant 'before' or 'in advance.' 'Tell' is derived from the Old English word 'tellan,' which means 'to narrate' or 'to recount.' When combined, 'foretell' means to narrate or recount something before it happens, which is equivalent to predicting or prophesizing future events or outcomes. The term has been used in this prophetic sense since Middle English, highlighting the human fascination with foreseeing and articulating what the future may hold. Its etymology underscores the idea of looking ahead and revealing events or outcomes before they come to pass, emphasizing the mysterious and predictive nature of such foresight.

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Further usage examples of foretell

1. The oracle's cryptic messages were interpreted to foretell the fate of the kingdom.
2. The clairvoyant claimed to foretell the winning lottery numbers.
3. The ancient scripture was said to foretell the end of the world.
4. The prophet's visions were believed to foretell the rise and fall of empires.
5. The ancient Mayans were known for their ability to foretell celestial events with precision.
6. Ancient prophecies often foretell great upheavals.
7. Meteorologists strive to foretell weather patterns.
8. Mystic visions can foretell personal destinies.
9. Economists endeavor to foretell market fluctuations.
10. The oracle's cryptic words foretell hidden truths.
11. Analysts seek to foretell economic recessions.
12. Astrologers claim to foretell planetary influences.
13. Fortune tellers foretell love and career prospects.
14. The tarot cards supposedly foretell life events.
15. Historians can foretell the rise of civilizations.
16. Crystal balls mystically foretell future events.
17. Ancient scrolls purportedly foretell ancient wisdom.
18. Futurists speculate and foretell tech innovations.
19. No one can accurately foretell the end of time.
20. Psychics attempt to foretell personal connections.
21. Palmistry claims to foretell character traits.
22. Prophets in history foretell divine revelations.
23. The ancient ruins seem to foretell lost cultures.
24. Seismologists aim to foretell earthquake risks.