portent

[pawr-tnt, pohr-]

portent Definition

• 1. an indication or omen of something about to happen, especially something momentous
• 2. a warning sign; an omen
• 3. something that foreshadows a coming event : PREMONITION

Using portent: Examples

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

• Example

  The sudden drop in temperature was a portent of the blizzard to come.

• Example

  The dark clouds were a portent of the storm that would soon hit the coast.

• Example

  The stock market crash was seen as a portent of the economic recession.

portent Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for portent

• omen
• sign
• signal
• forewarning
• harbinger

Antonyms for portent

• unimportant
• insignificant

Phrases with portent

• portent of doom

  a sign or warning of impending disaster or misfortune

  Example

  The eerie silence in the forest was a portent of doom for the hikers.

• portent of things to come

  a sign or indication of what will happen in the future

  Example

  The new policy was seen as a portent of things to come for the company.

• portent of war

  a sign or warning of an impending war

  Example

  The military buildup on the border was a portent of war between the two countries.

Origins of portent

from Latin 'portentum', meaning 'a sign'

📌

Summary: portent in Brief

The term 'portent' [pawr-tnt, pohr-] refers to an indication or omen of something about to happen, especially something momentous. It can be a warning sign or something that foreshadows a coming event. Examples include 'The sudden drop in temperature was a portent of the blizzard to come.' and 'The stock market crash was seen as a portent of the economic recession.' Phrases include 'portent of doom,' 'portent of things to come,' and 'portent of war.'