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Portend Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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portend

[pɔːˈtɛnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a mystical context

Portend means to be a sign or warning that something is likely to happen in the future. It is often used in a mystical or prophetic sense to indicate an omen or foreshadowing of events.

Synonyms

foreshadow, foretell, predict.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
portend

Used when referring to an event or situation that predicts or seems to warn of a future event, often with a negative connotation.

  • Dark clouds portend a massive storm.
  • The sudden drop in stock prices portends an economic crisis.
foretell

Used in a more formal context to predict future events, often with a mystical or prophetic element.

  • The oracle claimed she could foretell the future.
  • The fortune teller foretold that he would meet a mysterious stranger.
predict

Used in everyday language to indicate an educated guess or estimation about future events based on current information or trends.

  • Scientists can predict the weather with increasing accuracy.
  • Economists predict a rise in inflation next year.
foreshadow

Typically used in literature and storytelling to hint at future events, creating suspense or preparing the audience for what is to come.

  • The author's detailed description of the rusty key foreshadows its significance later in the story.
  • The eerie music foreshadowed the horror that would later unfold in the film.

Examples of usage

  • The dark clouds portend a storm approaching.
  • The sudden drop in temperature could portend a harsh winter ahead.
Context #2 | Verb

in a negative context

Portend can also be used in a negative context to suggest something bad or ominous is about to happen.

Synonyms

forebode, omen, presage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
portend

Portend is used to indicate that something, especially something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen. Often found in formal writing or dramatic contexts.

  • The dark clouds portend a thunderstorm
  • The economic indicators portend a possible recession
forebode

Forebode is generally used to indicate a strong inner feeling or intuition that something bad is going to happen. It often carries a sense of dread.

  • She had a sense of foreboding that something terrible was about to happen
  • His dreams seemed to forebode disaster
presage

Presage is used to denote something that foreshadows or predicts a future event. It is often found in literary or formal contexts.

  • The sudden drop in stock prices presaged the economic downturn
  • The eerie calm presaged a violent storm
omen

Omen refers to a sign or event regarded as a portent of good or evil. It is often used in a superstitious or symbolic context.

  • Seeing a black cat is considered an omen of bad luck
  • The sudden appearance of the comet was seen as a good omen by the villagers

Examples of usage

  • The eerie silence in the village portends trouble.
  • The strange behavior of the animals portends an earthquake.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's works, signs and omens often portend the fate of characters, creating dramatic tension.
  • Many classic novels begin with events that portend a larger storyline, engaging readers by hinting at future conflicts.
  • The use of portents in literature often serves as foreshadowing, building anticipation for the story's development.

Psychology

  • Humans are naturally inclined to look for signs or patterns in their environment, which can lead to predictions about the future.
  • The phenomenon of seeing portents in everyday life can sometimes result from a cognitive bias known as apophenia, where we perceive meaningful connections in random data.
  • Cultural beliefs and superstitions can influence how people interpret events as portents, often affecting their decision-making process.

History

  • Throughout history, many cultures have interpreted natural disasters as portents of political or social upheaval.
  • In ancient Rome, augurs would observe the behavior of birds as a way to portend the success of important endeavors, like battles or political decisions.
  • The occurrence of comets was often seen as a portend of significant events, such as the rise or fall of leaders.

Pop Culture

  • In many horror films, eerie signs often portend the arrival of a villain or supernatural forces, keeping audiences on edge.
  • In video games, certain quests or dialogues can portend the challenges a player will face, enhancing the narrative experience.
  • Songs and lyrics often use metaphors of signs or omens to portend emotional journeys, illustrating anticipation and regret.

Origin of 'portend'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'portend' comes from the Latin 'portendere,' meaning 'to stretch forth,' which reflects the idea of something reaching into the future.
  • It has been used in English since the late Middle Ages, suggesting an ominous or significant future event.
  • Some related words include 'foretell' and 'omen,' both of which also deal with predictions.

The word 'portend' originated from the Latin word 'portendere', which means 'to foretell or predict'. This term has been in use since the 15th century and has retained its mystical connotations throughout history. The concept of portents and omens has been prevalent in various cultures and belief systems, often associated with superstition and divination.

See also: airport, comport, deport, export, passport, port, portability, portable, portal, portent, porter, porters, portion, portly, portrait, viewport.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,835, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.