What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foreshadowed
Example
The dark clouds foreshadowed a storm. [foreshadowed: verb]
Example
The strange behavior of the animals foreshadowed the earthquake. [foreshadowed: past tense]
presage
Example
The black cat crossing your path is a presage of bad luck. [presage: noun]
Example
The sudden drop in temperature presaged the coming of winter. [presaged: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foreshadowed is more commonly used than presage in everyday language. Foreshadowed is a more modern and casual term that is widely used in literature, film, and television, while presage has a more formal and archaic origin and is less commonly used.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between foreshadowed and presage?
Presage is generally considered a more formal and literary term, while foreshadowed is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.