Ominously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ominously

[ˈɒmɪnəsli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a threatening or foreboding manner

Characterized by a sense of impending danger or doom; giving the impression that something bad is about to happen. The word 'ominously' is often used to describe an atmosphere or tone that suggests a negative outcome. It can also convey a feeling of unease or discomfort.

Synonyms

foreboding, portentously, sinister, threatening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ominously	Used when something gives a feeling that something bad is going to happen. The sky darkened ominously. He spoke ominously about the future.
threatening	Used to describe something that indicates danger or harm directly. The dog was growling in a threatening manner. He received a threatening letter.
foreboding	Describes a feeling or atmosphere that something bad or evil will happen. She had a sense of foreboding as she entered the old house. There was an air of foreboding in the room.
sinister	Gives a strong impression that something evil, harmful or criminal will happen. He gave her a sinister smile. There was something sinister about the abandoned house.
portentously	Used in a more formal or literary context to suggest that something momentous or calamitous is about to happen, often in an exaggerated way. He spoke portentously, as if predicting doom. The clouds loomed portentously over the city.

Examples of usage

The dark clouds gathered ominously in the sky.
He spoke ominously about the future of the company.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in a way that suggests a bad omen

In a manner that foreshadows or predicts misfortune or disaster. When something happens ominously, it is viewed as a sign of trouble or an indication of an undesirable outcome. This usage is often associated with superstition or a sense of foreboding.

Synonyms

forebodingly, inauspiciously, premonitively, unpropitiously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ominously	Use when describing a situation or sign that hints at something bad or threatening that may happen in the future. It often creates a sense of dread. The sky darkened ominously as the storm approached The dog growled ominously at the stranger
inauspiciously	Use when indicating that a situation seems likely to have an unfavorable outcome right from the start. It carries a sense of bad luck or ill omen. The project started inauspiciously with a series of technical failures He began his journey inauspiciously, losing his wallet at the airport
forebodingly	Appropriate for emphasizing a strong sense of impending doom or bad events. It's used when the feeling of worry or fear is particularly intense. She glanced forebodingly at the clock, feeling that something terrible was about to happen The silence in the haunted house was forebodingly thick
unpropitiously	Applicable when describing conditions or events that seem particularly unfavorable or unlikely to lead to success. It implies poor prospects or outcomes. The negotiations began unpropitiously, with both sides unwilling to compromise The weather turned unpropitiously cold just before the outdoor event
premonitively	Best used when describing a feeling or sense that something (usually negative) is going to happen, based on an instinctive or psychic sense. She looked at him premonitively, sensing that he was hiding something important He had a premonitive feeling that the meeting was going to end badly

Examples of usage

The howling of the wolves sounded ominously in the distance.
The clock striking midnight ominously signaled the start of the ritual.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'ominously'

The word 'ominously' originates from the Latin word 'ominosus,' meaning full of foreboding. It entered the English language in the late 16th century, at a time when superstitions and beliefs in omens were prevalent. The concept of ominous signs and portents has long been a part of human history, with people interpreting various occurrences as warnings of impending doom. Over time, 'ominously' has come to symbolize a sense of impending danger or dark premonition.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,439, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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23436 sneezing
23437 bewitched
23438 abominations
23439 ominously
23440 guanine
23441 vexing
23442 disentangle
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