What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foreboding
Example
The dark clouds and eerie silence gave me a sense of foreboding. [foreboding: noun]
Example
She had a foreboding feeling that something terrible was going to happen. [foreboding: adjective]
omen
Example
The black cat crossing our path was seen as an omen of bad luck. [omen: noun]
Example
The sudden gust of wind was an ominous omen of the approaching storm. [ominous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Omen is more commonly used than foreboding in everyday language. Omen is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while foreboding is less common and tends to be used in more literary or formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between foreboding and omen?
While both foreboding and omen can be used in formal contexts, foreboding is generally considered more formal and literary than omen, which is more commonly used in everyday language.
