GRE Words for Predict and Foretell

These 9 GRE words all share the meaning of predict and foretell. Studying them as one cluster is far more efficient than learning each in isolation, because the GRE tests words by how they relate to each other. Each entry below links to a full definition page with example sentences and memory hooks.

Why this cluster matters

On Sentence Equivalence you must choose two words that give the sentence the same meaning. That means the answer is almost always a synonym pair pulled from a cluster like this one. Watch the connotation tone on each word: a positive and a negative word rarely form a correct pair, even when their definitions look close.

The 9 words

augurverbNeutral tone

To foretell or predict, especially from signs or omens; a prophet or soothsayer

foretokennounNegative tone

A sign of something to come; an omen

harbingernounNeutral tone

A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another

omennounNeutral tone

An event regarded as a sign of future good or evil

portendverbNegative tone

To be a sign or warning that something is likely to happen

presageverb/nounNegative tone

To be a sign or warning of; an omen or portent

prescientadjectivePositive tone

Having knowledge of events before they take place; prophetic

prognosticateverbNeutral tone

To foretell or prophesy future events

propheticadjectiveNeutral tone

Accurately describing or predicting what will happen in the future

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