Definition

In a way that suggests something bad or unpleasant is going to happen.

Example

The sky turned dark and the wind began to howl ominously before the storm.

Conversation

Did you hear that storm warning for tonight?

Yeah, it sounds ominously intense this time.

I know, right? It makes me a bit uneasy.

Same here. Let’s hope it passes quickly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ominously → It is formed from "ominous" (from Latin "ominous", meaning foreboding or threatening) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "ominously" means in a manner that suggests something bad or threatening is about to happen.

Memory Tip

Think of something that feels 'foreboding' ('ominous') and how it happens 'in a manner' ('-ly') that makes you uneasy.

Visually Confused Words