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]
presentiment
Example
I had a presentiment that I would meet someone special at the party. [presentiment: noun]
Example
She had a presentiment that her boss was going to promote her. [presentiment: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Presentiment is more commonly used than foreboding in everyday language. Foreboding is a more formal and literary word that is less frequently used in casual conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between foreboding and presentiment?
Foreboding is a more formal and literary word that is often used in serious or dramatic contexts, while presentiment is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
