portend

[pɔːˈtend]

portend Definition

be a sign or warning that (something, especially something momentous or calamitous) is likely to happen..

Using portend: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "portend" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The dark clouds portend a storm.

  • Example

    The sudden drop in stock prices may portend an economic recession.

  • Example

    The eerie silence in the forest portended danger.

  • Example

    The strange behavior of the animals portends an earthquake.

portend Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for portend

Phrases with portend

  • portend well/badly/ill

    to indicate a good or bad outcome

    Example

    The early poll results portend well for the incumbent candidate.

  • to indicate that something is coming to an end

    Example

    The recent layoffs portend the end of the company's dominance in the industry.

  • to indicate that trouble is coming

    Example

    The increase in crime rates portends trouble for the city's residents.

Origins of portend

from Latin 'portendere', meaning 'foretell'

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Summary: portend in Brief

'Portend' [pɔːˈtend] is a verb that means to be a sign or warning that something, especially something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen. It can be used to describe a range of situations, from weather patterns to financial markets, as in 'The sudden drop in stock prices may portend an economic recession.' 'Portend' can also be used in phrases like 'portend well/badly/ill,' indicating a good or bad outcome, and 'portend the end of something,' indicating that something is coming to an end.