What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
presage
Example
The dark clouds presage a storm. [presage: verb]
Example
The sudden drop in the stock market was a presage of an economic downturn. [presage: noun]
portent
Example
The howling of wolves at night is often seen as a portent of death. [portent: noun]
Example
The sudden silence in the forest was a portent of danger. [portent: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Presage is less common than portent in everyday language. Portent is more versatile and can be employed in various contexts, while presage is less common and refers to a specific type of warning or sign.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between presage and portent?
Both presage and portent are formal words that are typically used in serious or literary contexts. They are not commonly used in casual conversation.
