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

But for Anthony, in particular, his performance that included a team-high 8 rebounds with 4 assists could bode well for the Magic moving forward. —Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2024

The demand should bode well for some of the other free-agent first basemen, a group that includes Paul Goldschmidt, Carlos Santana, Anthony Rizzo, Josh Bell and Justin Turner. —Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024

Musk's access to the White House does not bode well for the Detroit carmakers, Ives said. —Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 20 Nov. 2024

Trump has already made some very good picks for various Cabinet positions, which bodes well for us. —Chicago Tribune, 19 Nov. 2024

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