What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
presage
Example
The dark clouds presaged a storm. [presaged: verb]
Example
The eerie silence in the forest presaged danger. [presaged: past tense]
omen
Example
The black cat crossing your path is considered an omen of bad luck. [omen: noun]
Example
The sudden drop in temperature was seen as an omen of an impending snowstorm. [omen: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Omen is more commonly used than presage in everyday language. Omen is a well-known term that is often used in literature, movies, and popular culture, while presage is less common and more formal.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between presage and omen?
Presage is a more formal term than omen. It is often used in academic or literary contexts, while omen is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.