Portent: meaning, definitions and examples

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portent

[ˈpɔː.tənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

ominous sign

A portent is a sign or warning that something, especially something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen. It is often seen as a forewarning of a future event, usually negative or disastrous.

Synonyms

harbinger, omen, sign.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
portent	Used in situations where something is seen as a warning or indication of a future event, often negative or foreboding. The dark clouds were a portent of the storm to come. Many saw the strange occurrences as portents of bad luck.
omen	This word can refer to signs that predict future events and can be either good or bad, typically in a more mystical or superstitious context. Finding a four-leaf clover is considered a good omen. The sudden loss of power was seen as a bad omen by the villagers.
sign	This is a general term used to describe any indication or evidence of something that may or is about to happen. It is neutral and widely applicable. The clear sky was a sign that the weather would be nice. The CEO's resignation was a sign of the company's internal issues.
harbinger	Often used to describe something that signals or announces the approach of another event, usually in a neutral or slightly positive context. Robins are often viewed as harbingers of spring. The budget cuts were a harbinger of difficult times ahead.

Examples of usage

The dark clouds gathering on the horizon were seen as a portent of the coming storm.
The sudden appearance of a black cat crossing your path is considered a portent of bad luck.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

premonition

A portent can also refer to a feeling or intuition that something is about to happen, usually something negative. It is a sense of foreboding or apprehension about the future.

Synonyms

foreboding, forewarning, presentiment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
portent	Portent is used to describe something that is seen as a sign or warning that something momentous or calamitous is likely to happen. It has a strong association with significant future events, often negative. The dark clouds were a portent of the coming storm. Many saw the comet as a portent of disaster.
foreboding	Foreboding is a feeling that something bad will happen. It is usually negative and is used to describe an emotional state rather than a specific sign. She had a sense of foreboding as she entered the abandoned house. There was a foreboding silence before the explosion.
presentiment	Presentiment is a feeling or sense that something is going to happen, especially something bad. It is usually internal and more about intuition. He had a presentiment that it would be a dangerous journey. Despite the calm atmosphere, she couldn't shake off her presentiment of doom.
forewarning	Forewarning refers to giving someone advance notice of danger or problems. It is more neutral and practical compared to words like 'portent' and 'foreboding'. The storm warning was a forewarning to the sailors to seek shelter. They received a forewarning about the potential dangers of the hike.

Examples of usage

She had a portent that something terrible was going to happen, but she couldn't explain why.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Originates from the Latin word 'portentum,' meaning 'a forewarning' or 'an omen.'
It combines 'portendere,' which means 'to indicate in advance,' making its history tied to predictions.
The term has been used in English since the early 14th century, emphasizing its longstanding presence in the language.

Literature

Many classic authors, like Shakespeare, utilized portents to foreshadow events, creating an atmosphere of suspense.
In literature, portents often appear as ominous signs, such as dark clouds or unusual animal behavior, indicating trouble ahead.
An example can be found in Edgar Allan Poe's works, where foreboding signs often set the tone for the unfolding tragedy.

Science

Certain natural events, like solar eclipses or unusual weather patterns, have historically been seen as portents by different cultures.
In modern contexts, scientists may refer to unexpected phenomena in nature as portents of environmental changes or disasters.
Researchers study historical 'portents' in nature to understand better how past civilizations reacted to significant changes.

Pop Culture

Portents frequently appear in films and TV shows as plot devices that hint at future events, generating suspense and intrigue.
Movies such as 'The Sixth Sense' use portentous signs to lead viewers to the twist ending, creating a deeper understanding of past events.
Many fantasy genres focus on portents as integral parts of the storyline, framing the heroes' journeys alongside mysterious warnings.

Psychology

The concept of portents can tie into superstition, where individuals interpret signs as a way to predict outcomes in their lives.
Cognitive biases may lead people to attach significance to events that fit the idea of a portent, reinforcing beliefs about fate.
Understanding how people interpret portents can help psychologists explore anxiety and how uncertainty affects decision-making.

Translations

Translations of the word "portent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 presságio

🇮🇳 अशुभ संकेत

🇩🇪 Omen

🇮🇩 pertanda

🇺🇦 передвістя

🇵🇱 znak

🇯🇵 前兆 (ぜんちょう)

🇫🇷 présage

🇪🇸 presagio

🇹🇷 alamet

🇰🇷 전조 (jeonjo)

🇸🇦 نذير

🇨🇿 znamení

🇸🇰 znamenie

🇨🇳 预兆 (yùzhào)

🇸🇮 znamenje

🇮🇸 fyrirboði

🇰🇿 белгі

🇬🇪 ნიშანი

🇦🇿 əlamət

🇲🇽 presagio

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,103, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
26100 overseen
26101 tarried
26102 furor
26103 portent
26104 smacking
26105 localizing
26106 flailing
...