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presentiment

noun

/prɪˈsɛntɪm(ə)nt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of presentiment

A feeling or intuition that something is going to happen, particularly something bad or negative, before there is any evidence or proof.
"He couldn't shake off the presentiment of unease that he felt."

Detailed meaning of presentiment

It is an intuitive feeling of an impending event, often one that is not yet known to be true or likely to happen. The word comes from the Latin word "praesagire" which means "to foretell" or "to have present knowledge of future events".

In everyday use, presentiment refers to a feeling or intuition that something is going to happen, particularly something bad or negative, before there is any evidence or proof that it will happen. For example, a person might have a presentiment that they will fail an exam, or that a loved one is in danger, even though there is no evidence to support these feelings.

In literature, the term is often used to describe a character's feeling or intuition that something is going to happen, particularly something bad or negative, before there is any evidence or proof that it will happen. This feeling can create an atmosphere of unease, uncertainty or foreboding in the story. Additionally, it can be used in a more figurative sense, to describe a sense of impending change or a feeling that something significant is about to happen, even if the specifics are not yet known.

Example sentences containing presentiment

1. A sudden presentiment of danger sent shivers down her spine.
2. Despite having no evidence, he couldn't shake off his persistent presentiment of impending disaster.
3. She had a strange presentiment that something extraordinary was about to happen.
4. The eerie silence in the room filled her with an unsettling presentiment.
5. As he entered the abandoned house, a sense of presentiment overwhelmed him.
6. Her presentiment proved to be true when she received the dreadful news.

History and etymology of presentiment

The noun 'presentiment' has an etymology that reflects the mysterious nature of premonitions or intuitive feelings about future events. It is formed from two Latin words: 'praesentire,' which means 'to sense beforehand,' and 'sentire,' meaning 'to feel' or 'to perceive.' The combination of these words in 'presentiment' implies a sense of feeling or perceiving something before it actually occurs. This etymology captures the essence of the term, describing a sensation or intuition that something, often of a negative or foreboding nature, is about to happen without any concrete evidence or proof. 'Presentiment' thus embodies the idea of an anticipatory feeling that transcends rational explanation, suggesting a deeper connection between human intuition and the unfolding of future events.

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Further usage examples of presentiment

1. He couldn't ignore the nagging presentiment that he was being watched.
2. The dark clouds and the heavy atmosphere created a presentiment of an approaching storm.
3. A deep presentiment of loss weighed heavily on his heart.
4. The painting evoked a sense of mystery and presentiment.
5. The old house had an air of presentiment, as if it held secrets from the past.
6. The protagonist experienced a presentiment of impending danger in the horror movie.
7. Her presentiment guided her decision to cancel the flight, which later crashed.
8. The haunting melody stirred a feeling of presentiment in the audience.
9. The protagonist's presentiment of betrayal added suspense to the storyline.
10. The detective couldn't ignore the presentiment that the suspect was hiding something.
11. A sense of presentiment gripped him as he stepped into the haunted mansion.
12. The protagonist's presentiment of love at first sight came true when their eyes met.
13. The protagonist's presentiment of success motivated him to pursue his dreams.
14. The eerie silence and flickering lights created a presentiment of paranormal activity.