portentous Definition
- 1of or like a portent; ominous
- 2done in a pompously or overly solemn manner so as to impress
- 3marvelous; amazing
Using portentous: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "portentous" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The dark clouds were portentous of an approaching storm.
Example
His portentous tone made it sound like something terrible was about to happen.
Example
The magician's portentous tricks left the audience in awe.
portentous Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for portentous
Antonyms for portentous
Phrases with portentous
a silence that is heavy with meaning or significance
Example
After the announcement, there was a portentous silence in the room.
an event that is seen as a sign of something important or significant to come
Example
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was a portentous event that led to the start of World War I.
words that are spoken in a way that suggests they are of great importance or significance
Example
The politician's portentous words about the future of the country were met with skepticism by many.
Origins of portentous
from Latin 'portentosus', from 'portentum' meaning 'a sign or omen'
Summary: portentous in Brief
The adjective 'portentous' [pawr-ten-tuhs, pohr-] describes something that is ominous or foreboding, or something that is done in a pompously or overly solemn manner so as to impress. It can also mean something that is marvelous or amazing. Examples include 'The dark clouds were portentous of an approaching storm,' and 'The magician's portentous tricks left the audience in awe.'
