Foretell means to predict or announce what will happen in the future before it actually occurs. When someone foretells an event, they're saying it will happen based on signs, patterns, or special knowledge they claim to have.

In ancient stories, prophets and oracles foretold major events like wars, famines, or the rise of great leaders. Weather forecasters foretell tomorrow's conditions by reading patterns in atmospheric data. A coach might foretell victory after watching her team practice with unusual focus and skill.

The word carries a sense of certainty or authority that makes it stronger than simply guessing. When meteorologists foretell a hurricane's path, they're making a serious prediction based on scientific measurements: they've studied radar data, wind patterns, and historical storm behavior. In fairy tales, a wizard might foretell a hero's destiny, while in real life, economists try to foretell how markets will perform.

Foretell is closely related to predict and forecast, but it often appears in more formal or literary contexts. You might predict who'll win the spelling bee, but you'd foretell the outcome only if you were being dramatic about it.