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Portend: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "portend" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pressagiar

🇮🇳 संकेत देना

🇩🇪 ankündigen

🇮🇩 menandakan

🇺🇦 передбачати

🇵🇱 zwiastować

🇯🇵 予示する

🇫🇷 présager

🇪🇸 presagiar

🇹🇷 işaret etmek

🇰🇷 예고하다

🇸🇦 ينذر

🇨🇿 předpovídat

🇸🇰 predpovedať

🇨🇳 预示

🇸🇮 napovedovati

🇮🇸 forspá

🇰🇿 болжам жасау

🇬🇪 წინასწარმეტყველება

🇦🇿 öncə görmək

🇲🇽 presagiar

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.