noun

foreshadowing

for-SHAD-oh-ing

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Foreshadowing (noun) means a technique in storytelling in which a writer plants hints early on about something that will happen later, so the eventual event feels prepared for rather than random. Example: “The broken clock in chapter one is obvious foreshadowing.”

noun

A technique in storytelling in which a writer plants hints early on about something that will happen later, so the eventual event feels prepared for rather than random.

"The broken clock in chapter one is obvious foreshadowing."

"Shakespeare uses foreshadowing to make the ending feel inevitable."

verb

Present participle of foreshadow: to be an early sign of something that is going to happen.

"The falling orders in spring were foreshadowing a difficult year."

How to use foreshadowing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishClues early in a story about what is coming later.

When to use it

Neutral; standard vocabulary in English literature classes and reviews.

Memory tip

Foreshadowing hints without telling. If the text states outright what will happen, that is a flashforward or narrative prolepsis, not foreshadowing.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

flashback → flashforward dramatic irony

Common pairings

subtle foreshadowing heavy-handed foreshadowing an example of foreshadowing foreshadowing the ending

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “foreshadowing” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The broken clock in chapter one is obvious _____.

Etymology

From fore- 'before, in advance' plus shadow, on the image of a shadow being cast ahead of the thing that casts it.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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prefiguring hinting portent adumbration presage portend herald augur prefiguration

Related words

significance suggesting announce forecast predict messenger herald hail

Rhymes for foreshadowing

owing rowing towing bowing sowing lowing mowing growing knowing flowing plowing showing

See all rhymes for foreshadowing →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between foreshadowing and a flashforward?

Foreshadowing plants an indirect clue whose meaning only becomes clear later. A flashforward actually shows a future scene. One withholds, the other reveals.

What is the difference between foreshadowing and dramatic irony?

Foreshadowing hints at something neither the characters nor the reader knows yet. Dramatic irony exists when the reader already knows something a character does not, and watches them act in ignorance of it.

What are some common examples of foreshadowing?

Typical devices include an offhand remark that turns out to be literally true, a weather change before a disaster, an object introduced early and used decisively later, and a dream or prophecy. Titles and chapter epigraphs often do the same work.

What is the meaning of foreshadowing?

"foreshadowing" (noun) means a technique in storytelling in which a writer plants hints early on about something that will happen later, so the eventual event feels prepared for rather than random.

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