Foreshadow
/ˈfɔːrˌʃædoʊ/
verbB2
Definition
Foreshadow is a verb that means to show or suggest something will happen in the future, often in stories, movies, or real life. It is like a small clue or signal that prepares people for what will come later. It helps create suspense or interest by making the future event feel connected to the present.
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See It in Action
To give a hint or sign about a future event, especially in stories or movies
- •The dark music foreshadowed that something bad was going to happen.
- •The author foreshadowed the ending by mentioning the broken clock early in the story.
- •The movie used shadows and strange sounds to foreshadow the arrival of the villain.
To suggest or warn about something that will happen later in real life or situations
- •The sudden drop in sales foreshadowed the company’s financial problems.
- •Her nervous behavior foreshadowed that she was hiding something important.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "foreshadow" like "hint," but it is a special kind of hint that points to future events in a story or plan.
- ✓Picture dark clouds before a storm; they foreshadow rain or bad weather coming soon.
- ✓It's the feeling when you see something small that makes you guess what will happen next, like a quiet moment before something exciting.
- ✓Sounds like "FORE-shadow" → imagine a shadow in front of you showing what will happen next, like a shadow of the future.
- ✓In stories, foreshadowing is like a small seed planted early that grows into a big event later.
- ✓NOT like "predict" (which is a clear and direct statement about the future), foreshadow is more subtle and hidden.
- ✓NOT like "flashback" (which looks back at past events), foreshadow looks forward to future events.
- ✓NOT like "surprise" (which happens suddenly without warning), foreshadow gives a quiet warning before the event.
Try Other Words
- •Predict: to say what will happen in the future (Use when you want a clear statement about the future, not a subtle sign)
- •Signal: to show or give a sign (Use when the sign is more direct or obvious)
- •Suggest: to make an idea known without saying it clearly (Use when the meaning is less certain or more open)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "fore-" (before, in front) + "shadow" (dark shape made by blocking light)
- •Etymology: From Old English "fore" meaning before, and "shadow" meaning a dark shape; together meaning a shadow or sign from before the event
- •Historical development: Originally used to mean a shadow cast ahead, later used metaphorically to mean a sign or warning of something to come
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in literature, film, and everyday language to describe signs or clues about future events
Reflect & Connect
•How can foreshadowing make a story more interesting or exciting for the reader or viewer?
•Can you think of a time in your own life when something small foreshadowed a big event later?
Fill in the blanks
1.The dark clouds foreshadowed ___ coming soon, so people prepared for ___.
2.In the story, the broken mirror foreshadowed ___ that would happen at the end.
3.Unlike a surprise, foreshadow gives a ___ warning before an event happens.
4.When a character acts nervously, it can foreshadow ___ or hidden feelings.
5.The author used quiet sounds and shadows to foreshadow the ___ of the villain.
6.Foreshadow often appears early in a story to ___ the reader about future events.
7.If you notice small clues that foreshadow something, you can ___ what might happen next.