portent

American  

[pawr-tent, pohr-] / ˈpɔr tɛnt, ˈpoʊr- /

noun

1. an indication or omen of something about to happen, especially something momentous.

   Synonyms:

   warning, augury

2. threatening or disquieting significance.

   an occurrence of dire portent.

   Synonyms:

   import

3. a prodigy or marvel.

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portent British  

/ ˈpɔːtɛnt /

noun

1. a sign or indication of a future event, esp a momentous or calamitous one; omen

2. momentous or ominous significance

   a cry of dire portent

3. a miraculous occurrence; marvel

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Related Words

See sign.

Etymology

Origin of portent

First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin portentum “sign, token,” noun use of neuter of portentus, past participle of portendere “to signify, presage, portend”; portend

Example Sentences

That seemed a portent of more to come as the June primary inches ever closer.

From Los Angeles Times

A portent, perhaps, of the weather forecast which briefly caused a scare prior to India's dominant win over Pakistan later that evening.

From BBC

But the country's most popular horoscope forecasting the Buddhist new year starting in early 2026, touted by street vendors nationwide in recent days, contains clashing portents.

From Barron's

It proved a portent of what was to come.

From BBC

All the efforts to save microchip production in the U.S. come amid undeniable portents of the end of microchips.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• harbinger
• omen
• premonition