What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prefiguring
Example
The character's tragic backstory prefigures the dark turn the story will take. [prefigures: verb]
Example
The painting's use of color and composition prefigures the artist's later style. [prefigures: verb]
foreshadowing
Example
The ominous music foreshadows the impending danger in the horror movie. [foreshadows: verb]
Example
The detective's discovery of a clue foreshadows the twist ending of the mystery novel. [foreshadows: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foreshadowing is more commonly used than prefiguring in literature and everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prefiguring and foreshadowing?
Both words are formal and may not be commonly used in casual conversation. However, prefiguring may be more obscure and less familiar to ESL learners.
