verb
foretell
faw-TEH
verb
1
To predict or announce something before it happens.
"The old prophecy seemed to foretell the city's downfall."
"No one could foretell how the election would turn out."
How to Use Foretell
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo say what will happen before it actually does, often with a hint of prophecy.
When to use it
Slightly more literary/formal than "predict."
Word Forms
foretold past tense, foretells singular
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The old prophecy seemed to _____ the city's downfall.
Etymology
From Middle English foretellen — fore- + tell.