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

Such tension doesn’t bode well for Guilfoyle, according to the Daily Beast. —Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024

Their difficulty containing Nix doesn’t bode well for tackling the challenge that Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray presents. —Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 20 Oct. 2024

Lee Legendary Rider Denim Jacket, $22 with Prime For an actual denim jacket, this is a sleeker option that would bode well with thin thermal layers worn underneath. —Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 9 Oct. 2024

New flu data from the southern hemisphere suggests this year’s vaccine isn't as effective against severe illness as previous iterations, a finding that may not bode well for Americans as the nation kicks off flu season. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 4 Oct. 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