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

Limited Series Disclaimer, Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story , and The Penguin all earned significant nominations which will bode well when the Emmys come around. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2024

One of the Cuban government’s most formidable adversaries, Sen. Marco Rubio is set to become secretary of state under Donald Trump, something that does not bode well for the already flatlining Cuban economy. —Patrick Oppmann, CNN, 8 Dec. 2024

Therefore, the company is already dominantly structured around supporting smaller businesses, which bodes very well for it as the creator economy continues to boom amid AI and automation trends replacing corporate jobs. —Gurufocus, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

The Rue du Bac store is off to a strong start with a larger basket per customer, which bodes well for that retail space. —Rhonda Richford, WWD, 2 Dec. 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