Writing Tip 416: “Forbid” vs. “Forebode” (& “Verboten”)

Even if entering this house is forbidden, a brave kid on a mission might dare to defy the rules (Story prompt? Go for it.) But if it’s verboten, that kid might not dare. They might have an adventure getting to the source of why it’s verboten without actually going in. (Ooh, there’s another story prompt for you!)

If something is foreboding, there’s something a bit ominous about it. Maybe that foreboding place is also forbidden. Maybe it’s verboten. That word raises the stakes a bit, doesn’t it? Do you know the difference?

First things first, yes, these are all English words, though if you want to argue “verboten” is German, you would also be correct. Like “angst” and “doppelganger,” “verboten” is a borrowed word; however, it has been in English dictionaries for over one hundred years. The English language is indeed full of borrowed words normalized over time. That’s one way it’s troublesome fascinating, right?

But back to today’s discussion…

Here’s your reminder on “Forbid” vs. “Forebode” (& “Verboten”):

To “Forbid” means to declare something is not allowed or to prohibit it. If something is “forbidden,” it is prohibited.
To “Forebode” means to give an impression or clue of a future negative event or to portend something ominous (as “portending” usually is negative, of course). If something is “foreboding,” it evokes this negative feeling or apprehension. Note, some dictionaries accept the spelling of “forbode” and “forboding,” but these are not the standard spellings.
“Verboten” is a close synonym of “forbid,” (hello, German equivalent that entered the English lexicon in the 1910s), but it’s often considered a more formidable word, as if it carries more authority or severity. Note, it has nothing to do with the word “verb,” which comes from a different etymological direction, specifically French and originally Latin.

What is the past tense of “Forbid”?

Forbade

What is the past tense of “Forebode”?

Foreboded

What is the past tense of “Verboten”?

Um… adjectives don’t have past tenses. But you knew that, of course.

Both “forbid” and “Forebode” do have adjective forms of their own, though, “forbidding” and “foreboding” respectively.

We’ve discussed the German root of “verboten,” but “forebode” specifically comes from the Old English word fore, meaning “before” combined with boda, an Old English word for “herald” or “messenger.” The Old English equivalent, forebodung, meant “prophecy.” Cool, huh?

In the end of all of this, of course, the English language should never be foreboding. Cheers to you and your ongoing pursuit of its mastery, whether it’s already your native language or otherwise.

Happy writing, folks.

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