Word
bode
US/ˈboʊd/
UK/bˈəʊd/
Definition
v. to be a sign of what will happen in the future. It is usually used with 'well' or 'ill' to say if the future looks good or bad.
v. to portend or foreshadow a future event or outcome. Typically used with an adverbial modifier to indicate the nature of the omen.
Examples
“The dark clouds do not bode well for our picnic.”
“The company's strong quarterly earnings bode well for its upcoming expansion into international markets.”
“While the initial diplomatic breakthrough was celebrated, the subsequent breakdown in communication does not bode well for a lasting peace treaty.”
Examples
simple
“The dark clouds do not bode well for our picnic.”
contextual
“The company's strong quarterly earnings bode well for its upcoming expansion into international markets.”
complex
“While the initial diplomatic breakthrough was celebrated, the subsequent breakdown in communication does not bode well for a lasting peace treaty.”
Usage
The verb is intransitive when followed by an adverb like 'well' or 'ill'; it rarely takes a direct object in modern usage.
Pitfall
This bodes a good future
This bodes well for the future
In modern English, 'bode' is almost exclusively used with the adverbs 'well' or 'ill' rather than a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“It bodes well that fewer people than expected dropped their ACA insurance coverage.” “This bodes well, but alone it will not be enough.” Collocations
Word family
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/bode