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 doesn’t bode well for the markets, and investors dumped the speculative stocks. —Trefis Team, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

That agreement across ideological lines among a respected trio of judges doesn’t bode well for TikTok’s chances at the Supreme Court. —Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024

That doesn't bode well for fans of Beyoncé, performing Wednesday at halftime when the Ravens face the Texans in Houston. —John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 18 Dec. 2024

He was last seen heading to the locker room without his helmet, which does not bode well for the rest of his game. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 24 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