portent

[ pawr-tent, pohr- ]

noun

1. an indication or omen of something about to happen, especially something momentous.

   Synonyms: warning, augury

2. threatening or disquieting significance:

   an occurrence of dire portent.

   Synonyms: import

3. a prodigy or marvel.

portent

/ ˈpɔːtɛnt /

noun

1. a sign or indication of a future event, esp a momentous or calamitous one; omen
2. momentous or ominous significance

   a cry of dire portent

3. a miraculous occurrence; marvel

Word History and Origins

Origin of portent¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin portentum “sign, token,” noun use of neuter of portentus, past participle of portendere “to signify, presage, portend”; portend

Word History and Origins

Origin of portent¹

C16: from Latin portentum sign, omen, from portendere to portend

Synonym Study

See sign.

Example Sentences

He can only hope it is an aberration and not a portent for a grim autumn campaign before his secondment with the British and Irish Lions.

From BBC

I was reminded of his 2016 no-show rally and near-riot at the University of Illinois at Chicago, an important portent of the way so-called political norms would be shattered during his rise to power.

From Salon

Yet Keener and other marine researchers aren’t sure if the animals’ presence is a sign of ecosystem health and rejuvenation or a portent of planetary disaster.

From Los Angeles Times

In a portent of things to come, Australian Jack Brabham finished ninth in a Cooper Climax, a modified version of the car he drove in European Formula One races.

From Los Angeles Times

“Still, it is certainly a healthy portent if the two sides can continue cooperation on issues where they have common objectives while keeping those separate from issues on which they have deep-rooted conflicts.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• harbinger
• omen
• premonition