omen
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈoʊ.mən/
KK: /ˈoʊmən/
noun
Definition
A sign or event that is believed to predict what will happen in the future, often related to good or bad luck.
Example
The dark clouds were seen as an omen of the coming storm.
Conversation
I saw a black cat cross the street today; I wonder if it's an omen of bad luck.
Oh no, I hope not! I've heard those things can be superstitious.
Yeah, but sometimes I feel like they’re just silly tales.
True, but it’s always fun to think about what they might mean!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
sign
portent
forewarning
Antonyms
coincidence
normality
certainty
transitive verb
Definition
A sign or event that is believed to predict the future, often indicating something good or bad.
Example
The dark clouds were seen as an omen of the coming storm.
Conversation
Did you see that black cat crossing the road earlier?
Yeah, I did! Some people say that's a bad omen.
I wonder if it really means anything, though.
Root Explanation
Omen → The word originates from Latin 'omen' (meaning a sign or portent). It refers to a phenomenon that is believed to predict future events, often of a significant or foreboding nature.
Memory Tip
Think of an 'omen' as a sign that hints at what might happen in the future.
Visually Confused Words
men
tormen
toment
ostmen
moment
lowmen
loment
foment