What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foreshadow
Example
The dark clouds foreshadowed a storm. [foreshadowed: past tense]
Example
The eerie music in the background foreshadowed the horror that was about to unfold. [foreshadowed: verb]
foretell
Example
The fortune teller foretold that I would meet my soulmate soon. [foretold: past tense]
Example
Economists are trying to foretell the impact of the pandemic on the stock market. [foretell: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foreshadow and foretell are both less common words in everyday language, but they are frequently used in literature, storytelling, and formal or technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between foreshadow and foretell?
Foretell is generally considered more formal than foreshadow, as it is often used in technical or academic contexts such as economics, weather forecasting, or divination.
