What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
boding
Example
The dark clouds and thunder were a boding sign of an approaching storm. [boding: adjective]
Example
She had a sense of boding about the upcoming meeting, fearing it would not go well. [boding: noun]
foreboding
Example
There was a foreboding atmosphere in the haunted house, making everyone feel uneasy. [foreboding: adjective]
Example
He couldn't shake off the sense of foreboding that something terrible was about to occur. [foreboding: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foreboding is more commonly used than boding in everyday language. Foreboding is versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while boding is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between boding and foreboding?
While boding is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, foreboding is considered more formal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.