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Portended Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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portended

[pษ”หrหˆtษ›ndษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

signify events

To portend something is to be a sign or warning that something is likely to happen, especially something significant or momentous. This term often implies an omen or prophetic indication of future events. It suggests a connection between present circumstances and future outcomes, indicating that current signs are foretelling what is to come.

Synonyms

foreshadow, foretell, indicate, predict.

Examples of usage

  • The dark clouds portended a storm.
  • Her silence seemed to portend bad news.
  • The unusual behavior of the animals often portends natural disasters.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Authors often use portended events to create tension, leading readers to anticipate a climax in the story.
  • Classic novels, like those of Shakespeare, frequently hint at future disasters or revelations through characters' dialogues.

Astrology

  • In astrology, certain celestial events are believed to portend significant changes or events in people's lives.
  • Astrologers analyze planetary alignments to provide insights about potential future circumstances.

History

  • Historical figures often claimed that unusual natural occurrences, like eclipses, portended major events, such as the fall of empires or the birth of leaders.
  • The concept of portending was widespread in ancient societies, where omens were seen as messages from the gods.

Psychology

  • Humans have a natural tendency to look for patterns and signs to predict ะฑัƒะดัƒั‰ะธะต ัะพะฑั‹ั‚ะธั, often leading to 'confirmation bias' in their interpretations.
  • Expectations shaped by past experiences can influence how individuals perceive future events, leading them to feel that certain signs portend outcomes.

Origin of 'portended'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'portendere', where 'por-' means forward and 'tendere' means to stretch, symbolizing stretching out a sign.
  • In Middle English, it was used in literature to describe omens or hints of future events.

The term 'portend' comes from the Latin word 'portendere', which means 'to stretch forward' or 'to indicate.' This Latin word is a combination of 'por-' meaning 'forward' and 'tendere' meaning 'to stretch.' The root of 'tendere' is also linked to other English words that signify a stretching or reaching such as 'tension' and 'tend.' The usage of 'portend' in the English language dates back to the early 17th century. It has been used to convey a sense of forewarning or premonition about future events, often with a sense of gravity or importance. Over time, 'portend' has found its place in literature and everyday language as a way to express the idea of signs that predict future occurrences.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,128 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.