Omen: meaning, definitions and examples

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omen

 

[ ˈəʊmən ]

Context #1

bad luck

An omen is a sign of something about to happen, especially something bad. It is believed to foretell the future and is often considered a warning or an indication of impending doom.

Synonyms

harbinger, portent, sign, signal

Examples of usage

  • The black cat crossing your path is considered an omen of bad luck.
  • The sudden appearance of dark clouds is seen as an omen of an approaching storm.
  • Seeing a broken mirror is often interpreted as an omen of seven years of bad luck.
Context #2

good luck

In some cultures, an omen can also be a sign of good luck or a positive event about to occur. It is seen as a favorable prediction of the future.

Synonyms

augury, auspice, omen of good fortune

Examples of usage

  • Finding a four-leaf clover is considered an omen of good luck.
  • Seeing a shooting star is often viewed as an omen of good fortune.

Translations

Translations of the word "omen" in other languages:

🇵🇹 presságio

🇮🇳 अशुभ संकेत

🇩🇪 Omen

🇮🇩 pertanda

🇺🇦 ознака

🇵🇱 omen

🇯🇵 前兆 (ぜんちょう)

🇫🇷 présage

🇪🇸 presagio

🇹🇷 alamet

🇰🇷 징조 (jingjo)

🇸🇦 نذير

🇨🇿 znamení

🇸🇰 znamenie

🇨🇳 预兆 (yùzhào)

🇸🇮 znamenje

🇮🇸 fyrirboði

🇰🇿 белгі

🇬🇪 ნიშანი

🇦🇿 əlamət

🇲🇽 presagio

Word origin

The word 'omen' originated from the Latin word 'omen', meaning a predictor of future events. Throughout history, omens have played a significant role in various cultures and belief systems. They have been used to interpret signs from nature, animals, or supernatural occurrences as indications of what is to come. While some view omens as warnings of impending danger, others see them as positive affirmations of good fortune.