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Portentously: meaning, definitions and examples

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portentously

 

[ pɔːˈtɛntəsli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

used to describe a manner of speaking or behaving

In a way that suggests that something bad or unpleasant is about to happen; ominously.

Synonyms

forebodingly, ominously, ominously

Examples of usage

  • He spoke portentously about the future of the company.
  • The dark clouds gathered portentously in the sky.
Context #2 | Adverb

used to describe a manner of speaking

In a way that is meant to impress or make a strong impression, especially in an exaggerated or pompous manner.

Synonyms

dramatically, grandiosely, pompously

Examples of usage

  • She delivered her lines portentously, as if every word held great significance.
  • The actor's performance was portentously dramatic.

Translations

Translations of the word "portentously" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pressagiosamente

🇮🇳 अशुभ रूप से

🇩🇪 unheilvoll

🇮🇩 dengan tanda-tanda

🇺🇦 зловісно

🇵🇱 złowieszczo

🇯🇵 不吉に

🇫🇷 de manière menaçante

🇪🇸 de manera ominosa

🇹🇷 uğursuzca

🇰🇷 불길하게

🇸🇦 بشكل مشؤوم

🇨🇿 zlověstně

🇸🇰 zlovestne

🇨🇳 凶兆地

🇸🇮 zlovestno

🇮🇸 óheillavænlega

🇰🇿 жамандықпен

🇬🇪 უიღბლოდ

🇦🇿 uğursuzca

🇲🇽 de manera ominosa

Etymology

The word 'portentously' comes from the root word 'portent', which originated from the Latin word 'portentum', meaning 'omen' or 'sign'. The adverb form 'portentously' has been used in English since the 17th century to convey a sense of foreboding or significance. Over time, it has evolved to also describe behavior or speech that is meant to impress or make a strong impression.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,075, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.