What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
forespeak
Example
The fortune teller forespoke that I would meet my soulmate soon. [forespoke: past tense]
Example
I have a feeling that something bad will happen, but I can't forespeak exactly what it is. [forespeak: verb]
foretell
Example
The psychic foretold that there would be a major earthquake in the area. [foretold: past tense]
Example
The weatherman can foretell when a storm is coming by looking at the radar. [foretell: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foretell is more commonly used than forespeak in everyday language. Foretell is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while forespeak is less common and may be considered outdated or formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between forespeak and foretell?
Both forespeak and foretell are formal words that are not commonly used in everyday conversation. However, foretell is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while forespeak is more archaic and may be considered too formal for some situations.
