What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
portent
Example
The dark clouds were a portent of the storm that was about to hit. [portent: noun]
Example
The eerie silence in the forest was a portent of danger lurking nearby. [portent: noun]
sign
Example
The sign on the door said 'Closed for renovation.' [sign: noun]
Example
She signed her name at the bottom of the contract. [signed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sign is more commonly used than portent in everyday language. Sign is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while portent is less common and is typically used in formal or literary contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between portent and sign?
While portent is typically associated with a formal and literary tone, sign is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wide range of situations.
