bode
v.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.
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.
The verb is intransitive when followed by an adverb like 'well' or 'ill'; it rarely takes a direct object in modern usage.
This bodes a good futureThis bodes well for the futureIn modern English, 'bode' is almost exclusively used with the adverbs 'well' or 'ill' rather than a direct object.
Last updated May 11, 2026