foreshadowing

noun
UK: /ˌfɔːˈʃædəʊɪŋ/
US: /ˌfɔːrˈʃædoʊɪŋ/

  1. A warning or indication of a future event.

    1. The dark clouds were foreshadowing a storm.
    2. The early scenes contained subtle foreshadowing of the tragic events to come foreshadowing.

  2. The use of hints and clues to suggest what will happen later in a plot.

    1. The story uses foreshadowing to build suspense.
    2. Effective foreshadowing keeps the audience engaged and anticipating future events in the narrative.

Synonyms

indication predict omen presage premonition portend augur
foreshadowing verb

  1. To hint at or present an indication of the future beforehand.

    1. The raven foreshadowing bad luck.
    2. His strange behavior was foreshadowing his upcoming decision to quit his job without any warning.

  2. To give a suggestion of (something that has not yet happened).

    1. The hero's dream foreshadowing the real events.
    2. The author used symbolism to foreshadow the protagonist's eventual downfall in the story.
foreshadowing adjective

  1. Presenting an indication or suggestion of a future event.

    1. Dark clouds foreshadowing weather.
    2. The artist's use of color created a foreshadowing atmosphere in the painting, indicating trouble ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "foreshadowing" in English means: A warning or indication of a future event., The use of hints and clues to suggest what will happen later in a plot..

The phonetic transcription of "foreshadowing" is /ˌfɔːˈʃædəʊɪŋ/ in British English and /ˌfɔːrˈʃædoʊɪŋ/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "foreshadowing": indication, predict, omen, presage, premonition, portend, augur.

Example usage of "foreshadowing": "The dark clouds were foreshadowing a storm.". More examples on the page.