Portentous: meaning, definitions and examples
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portentous
[ pɔrˈtɛn.təs ]
ominous sign
Portentous describes something that is foreshadowing or predicting significant events yet to come, often in a frightening or ominous manner. It can also refer to something that is done with a sense of seriousness or importance.
Synonyms
foreboding, foretelling, ominous, ominous, significant
Examples of usage
- The portentous clouds gathered on the horizon.
- His portentous warnings went unheeded by the crowd.
- She delivered a portentous speech that left the audience in awe.
Translations
Translations of the word "portentous" in other languages:
🇵🇹 presagioso
🇮🇳 भविष्यवक्ता
🇩🇪 vorhersehbar
- bedrohlich
- unheilvoll
🇮🇩 menakutkan
🇺🇦 зловісний
🇵🇱 złowieszczy
🇯🇵 不吉な (ふきつな)
🇫🇷 de mauvais augure
🇪🇸 presagioso
🇹🇷 korkutucu
🇰🇷 불길한
🇸🇦 مخيف
🇨🇿 zlověstný
🇸🇰 zlovestný
🇨🇳 不详的 (bùxiáng de)
🇸🇮 sluten
🇮🇸 ógnandi
🇰🇿 болжамды
🇬🇪 წინასწარმეტყველი
🇦🇿 əhəmiyyətli
🇲🇽 presagioso
Etymology
The word 'portentous' originates from the Latin 'portentum', which means 'portent', as a derivation from the verb 'portendere' meaning 'to foretell'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century and was often associated with omens and prophecies. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass not only the idea of predicting future events but also the gravity and weightiness of the circumstances surrounding them. The connotation frequently leans towards a sense of dread or caution, indicating that the events to come may not be favorable. This evolution in meaning reflects a broader cultural fascination with signs and omens, emphasizing human attempts to interpret the mysteries of fate and future happenings.