portent
[ pawr-tent, pohr- ]
/ ˈpɔr tɛnt, ˈpoʊr- /
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noun
an indication or omen of something about to happen, especially something momentous.
threatening or disquieting significance: an occurrence of dire portent.
a prodigy or marvel.
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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.
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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”; see portend
synonym study for portent
1. See sign.
Words nearby portent
Porte, porte-cochere, Port Elizabeth, portend, port engineer, portent, portentous, porter, porterage, porter chair, Porter, Cole
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for portent
British Dictionary definitions for portent
portent
/ (ˈpɔːtɛnt) /
noun
a sign or indication of a future event, esp a momentous or calamitous one; omen
momentous or ominous significancea cry of dire portent
a miraculous occurrence; marvel
Word Origin for portent
C16: from Latin portentum sign, omen, from portendere to portend
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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