What term refers to being a warning or indication of a future event?

Foreshadowing is a literary and rhetorical term that refers to a device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story or event. In narrative contexts, it subtly sets up expectations for the audience by providing clues that forecast future developments. This can create anticipation and shape how a reader interprets subsequent events.

The other terms, while they share similarities, do not convey the same meaning as clearly. Predictive relates more to forming a forecast based on data or trends rather than hinting at something through subtle clues. Forewarning implies a more direct alert about a potential danger or event without the nuanced subtleness of foreshadowing. Prescient denotes a broader and more acute awareness of future events, often implying a clearer vision beyond mere hints or suggestions. Each of these terms serves different contexts and purposes, but foreshadowing specifically encapsulates the idea of subtly hinting at future occurrences within a narrative framework.