Definition of bode
boded
;boding
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
From the M-W Editors
Examples of bode in a sentence
This could bode disaster for all involved.
her natural gift for reading boded well for her future in school
Origin and Etymology of bode
Middle English, from Old English bodian; akin to Old English bēodan to proclaim — more at bid
First Known Use: before 12th century
BODE Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of bode for English Language Learners
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: to be a sign of (a future event or situation)
BODE Defined for Kids
Definition of bode for Students
boded
;boding
: to be a sign of (a future event) This could bode difficulty for all of us.
Learn More about bode
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See words that rhyme with bode Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bode Spanish Central: Translation of bode Nglish: Translation of bode for Spanish speakers
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