What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foretell
Example
The fortune teller claimed to foretell the future with her crystal ball. [foretell: verb]
Example
The dark clouds foretell a storm is coming. [foretell: present tense]
predict
Example
Experts predict that the economy will recover by next year. [predict: verb]
Example
I can predict that it will rain tomorrow based on the weather forecast. [predict: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Predict is more commonly used than foretell in everyday language, covering a wide range of contexts and situations. Foretell is less common and often associated with religious or spiritual contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between foretell and predict?
Foretell is more formal and often associated with religious or spiritual contexts, while predict is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
