Portend - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Portend means to serve as a sign or warning that something, especially something significant or ominous, is likely to happen in the future. It often implies foreshadowing.
Definition:
To serve as a warning or sign of a future event, often something bad.
Synonyms:
foreshadow, predict, foretell, augur
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
reassure, allay
Common Collocations:
dark clouds portend, events portend trouble, signs portend disaster
Derivatives:
portentous, portending
Usage Tips:
Use "portend" for ominous signs; often followed by negative outcomes like "doom" or "trouble."
Common Phrases:
portend ill, portend disaster, portend the future
Etymology:
From Latin "portendere," meaning "to indicate" or "foretell."
Examples:
- 1. The sudden silence may portend danger ahead.
- 2. Dark clouds often portend a coming storm.
- 3. Her frown seemed to portend bad news.
- 4. The strange dream could portend future events.