Word
foreshadowing
Meanings
a hint or sign in a story that suggests what will happen later
an indication that something (often unpleasant) is likely to happen in the future
Definition
Foreshadowing is a hint or clue in a story that suggests what will happen later.
Foreshadowing is a storytelling technique that gives small hints about future events. Writers use it to build suspense, create expectation, or make later moments feel logical and satisfying. These hints can be in dialogue, descriptions, symbols, or mood.
Examples
- The early mention of the broken lock was foreshadowing for the break-in.
- That quiet conversation turned out to be foreshadowing of the final betrayal.
- The author uses foreshadowing to build suspense before the twist.
- The strange footprints in the snow were clear foreshadowing of danger.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse foreshadowing with a flashback, but foreshadowing hints at the future while a flashback shows the past.
More at B2 level
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More nouns
- fascism Fascism is an extreme right-wing political system with a powerful dictator, strong nationalism, and…
- gaslighting Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that makes someone doubt their own memory, judg…
- narcissist A narcissist is someone who is excessively self-centered and craves admiration while showing little…
- empathy Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings.
- metaphor A metaphor is a way of describing something by saying it is something else to create a clear image …