to-be-gripped-by-a-sense-of-foreboding
/tə biː ɡrɪpt baɪ ə sens əv fɔːˈrəʊ.bɪd.ɪŋ/ IELTSAcademic
phrase
to feel strong fear that something bad is going to happen. It often describes a deep, uneasy feeling, not a clear warning.
- She was gripped by a sense of foreboding.
- I felt gripped by foreboding before the call.
- The dark clouds gave him foreboding.
Adinary Nuance
This phrase is stronger and more literary than simple words like 'worried' or 'anxious'. It suggests a powerful feeling that something bad is coming, even if you do not know what. Writers use it for suspense, danger, or bad news, not for everyday stress.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- linh cảm bất an
- Spanish
- presentimiento de mal
- Chinese
- 不祥预感
- Japanese
- 不吉な予感
- Korean
- 불길한 예감
Etymology
Foreboding comes from Old English forboda, meaning a warning or sign. The phrase combines that idea with 'gripped by', which became common in written English for strong emotions.
Common phrases
a sense of forebodingbe gripped by forebodingforeboding feelingfilled with foreboding
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'to be gripped by a sense of foreboding' formal or informal?
- It is more formal and literary than everyday speech.
- What is the difference between foreboding and anxiety?
- Anxiety is general worry. Foreboding is worry that something bad is about to happen.
- Can I use this phrase in academic writing?
- Yes, especially in literature analysis or formal description.
- Is foreboding a common word in spoken English?
- The noun is fairly common in writing, but the full phrase is less common in conversation.