bode

1 of 2

verb

ˈbōd 

boded; boding

transitive verb

1

: to indicate (something, such as a future event) by signs : presage

bode disaster

recent data that bodes well for her reelection

2

archaic : to announce beforehand : foretell

bode

2 of 2

past tense of bide

Phrases

bode ill

: to show or suggest that future developments or events will be unfavorable or unwelcome : to be a sign of trouble to come

Any further diminishing of the species' gene pool can only bode ill for the future.

—John Hew Fanshawe

bode well

: to show or suggest that future developments or events will be good or favorable : to be a sign of good things to come

… the news … does not bode well for our future standard of living.

—Lester C. Thurow

Synonyms

Verb

• augur
• forebode
• forbode
• promise

Examples of bode in a Sentence

Verb

This could bode disaster for all involved.

her natural gift for reading boded well for her future in school

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

This could bode well for the broader market going forward, per Wu. —Brian Evans, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2025

And then there were her and Matt's onscreen fights, which didn't bode well for their future. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 1 Feb. 2025

Minnesota’s recent success could bode well in the nation’s 15th largest media market, so long as the ownership situation resolves itself in quick order. —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025

His experience with Schottenheimer could bode well if the Cowboys look toward keeping consistency on the offensive side of the ball. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English bodian; akin to Old English bēodan to proclaim — more at bid entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

bode

1 of 2 verb

ˈbōd 

boded; boding

: to indicate (as a future event) by signs : foreshadow

bode

2 of 2

past of bide