portent

[pawr-tent, pohr-]

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.

portent

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of portent¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of portent¹

C16: from Latin portentum sign, omen, from portendere to _portend

Synonym Study

See sign.

Example Sentences

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Are England's batting struggles in these first two ODIs an early portent for another southern hemisphere winter of discontent?

Read more on BBC

As Ukrainians prepare for their fifth winter at war, what has happened to Chernihiv in recent weeks serves as a portent for cities throughout the country.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In particular those involved with betting, and there was an early portent of what was to come in 1996.

Read more on BBC

Australia appeared satisfied with their morning's work - but in a curious way it had maybe given South Africa a psychological lift and was portent of what was to come in the remainder of the day.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• harbinger 
• omen 
• premonition