English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
A shallow place in a river where one can cross; to cross a river at such a place.
"The travelers decided to ford the river at dawn."
An ancestor, especially one who lived a long time ago.
"He often speaks of his forebears with great respect."
Ancestors or people in previous generations from whom one is descended.
"We must honor the traditions of our forebears."
To predict or have a strong inner feeling of a future misfortune or evil.
"Dark clouds forebode a coming storm."
A feeling that something bad will happen; ominous.
"She felt a deep sense of foreboding as she entered the abandoned house."
To predict future events, especially weather or economic trends.
"The weather office forecast heavy rain for tomorrow."
The forward part of a ship below the deck, traditionally used as living quarters for the crew.
"The sailors gathered in the forecastle after their shift."
to take possession of a property due to the owner's failure to keep up mortgage payments
"The bank decided to foreclose on the property after months of missed payments."
The legal process by which a lender takes control of a property from a borrower who has failed to make payments.
"The family lost their home due to foreclosure after missing several mortgage payments."
an open area in front of a large building, especially a petrol station or hotel
"The car was parked in the hotel forecourt."
an ancestor, especially one who was part of an earlier generation of a family or nation
"Our forefathers fought for independence."
to decide not to do or have something pleasant or valuable
"She decided to forego dessert to maintain her diet."
the part of a scene that is nearest to and in front of the viewer
"The flowers in the foreground brightened the picture."
The part of the face above the eyebrows.
"She wiped the sweat from her forehead."
Belonging to or coming from another country.
"She loves studying foreign languages."
A person from another country.
"The city welcomes every foreigner with kindness."
To judge beforehand without adequate information.
"It is unfair to forejudge someone without knowing the facts."
Awareness of something before it happens or exists.
"The prophet claimed to have foreknowledge of the event."
a person in charge of a group of workers, especially in a factory or construction site
"The foreman supervised the workers on the construction site."
most important; leading; first in rank or position
"She is one of the foremost experts in the field."
relating to the application of scientific methods to investigate crimes
"The forensic evidence helped solve the case."
to determine or decree something in advance; to predestine
"Some believe that our lives are foreordained by fate."
the act of determining something in advance; predestination
"The doctrine of foreordination suggests that events are fixed by divine will."
The compartment in the forward part of a ship, often used for storage.
"The sailors stored extra ropes in the forepeak."
To go before; to precede in time, place, or action.
"Dark clouds often forerun a storm."
A person or thing that comes before another; a predecessor or harbinger.
"The Wright brothers were the forerunners of modern aviation."
The principal sail set on the foremast of a sailing vessel.
"The crew adjusted the foresail to catch the wind."
To be aware of beforehand; to predict or expect.
"She could foresee the challenges ahead."
Able to be predicted or expected in advance
"The company is unlikely to make changes in the foreseeable future."
To indicate or suggest something that will happen in the future
"Dark clouds foreshadowed an approaching storm."
The part of the shore between the high and low tide marks
"Children were playing on the foreshore, collecting shells."
The ability to predict or plan for the future
"Her foresight helped the company avoid financial trouble."
A large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth.
"They went hiking in the forest."
To prevent or hinder something from happening
"Quick action forestalled a major disaster."
Large areas covered with trees and undergrowth, providing natural habitats for wildlife.
"Forests provide shelter and food for butterflies."
to predict or announce something before it happens
"The old man claimed he could foretell the future."
careful consideration of what will be necessary or may happen in the future
"With a little forethought, we could have avoided the problem."
For all future time; for always.
"She promised to love him forever."
a short introduction at the beginning of a book, typically written by someone other than the author
"The foreword of the book was written by a famous historian."
to lose or give up something, usually as a penalty for wrongdoing
"He had to forfeit the match after breaking the rules."
to protect or defend against something undesirable; to prevent
"May good fortune forfend any danger from our journey."
to create or shape something, often with effort or skill; also to counterfeit or fake something
"The blacksmith forged a strong sword from the iron."
a person who makes fake documents, artworks, or signatures
"The police arrested a forger who had been selling counterfeit paintings."
the crime of making fake documents, money, or artworks
"The bank detected a forgery in the signature on the cheque."
to fail to remember something
"I often forget where I put my keys."
To stop feeling angry or resentful towards someone for an offense or mistake.
"She decided to forgive her friend for the harsh words."
ready and willing to forgive; merciful; lenient
"She has a forgiving nature and rarely holds grudges."
to decide not to do or have something
"She decided to forgo dessert to maintain her diet."
a tool with two or more prongs used for eating or serving food
"He ate his salad with a fork."
extremely sad, lonely, or abandoned
"The abandoned puppy looked so forlorn in the rain."