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/ˈpɔːrtənt/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A sign or warning that something, especially something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen.
The dark clouds on the horizon were seen as a portent of the approaching storm.
An omen or a prophetic indication.
The owl's hoot at midnight was considered a portent of death in local superstition.
Something that foreshadows a future event.
Scientists regarded the melting glaciers as a portent of climate change impacts to come.
An indication or predication of something to come.
The stock market's sudden drop was viewed as a portent of an impending recession.
Etymology
From Latin 'portentum', which means 'a forewarning', from 'portendere' meaning 'to foretell'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
portent of doom
A sign indicating impending disaster.
dark portent
A gloomy or ominous sign.
Related Words
omen
A phenomenon that is believed to foretell the future.
augury
The practice of interpreting omens from the observed behavior of animals.
sign
An indication or evidence of something.