portance

[ pawr-tns, pohr- ]

/ ˈpɔr tns, ˈpoʊr- /

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noun Archaic.

bearing; behavior.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of portance

From Middle French, dating back to 1580–90; see origin at port⁵, -ance

Words nearby portance

portal system, portal-to-portal, portal-to-portal pay, portal vein, portamento, portance, Port Angeles, Porta-Potti, port arms, Port Arthur, portative

How to use portance in a sentence

They were made of gold, of silver, of brass and of marble, according to their im-portance and merits.
From the Caves and Jungles of Hindostan|Helena Pretrovna Blavatsky
Such articles, he says, give a disproportionate im portance to the negative side of his views.
The Life of Sir James Fitzjames Stephen, Bart., K.C.S.I.|Sir Leslie Stephen
Rymer, in his criticism on this play, has changed it to portents, instead of portance.
Notes to Shakespeare, Volume III: The Tragedies|Samuel Johnson
I believe portance was the author's word in some revised copy.
Notes to Shakespeare, Volume III: The Tragedies|Samuel Johnson