Definition

A sign or warning that something important or bad is going to happen.

Example

The dark clouds were a portent of the storm to come.

Conversation

Did you notice that strange bird outside earlier?

Yeah, it looked so unusual; it felt like a portent of something.

I know, right? It gave me a weird feeling about the day ahead.

Same here! I hope it's just my imagination and nothing serious.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Portent** → It is formed from "portendere" (meaning to foretell or indicate) which comes from "por-" (meaning forward) and "tendere" (meaning to stretch). The word "portent" refers to something that stretches forward as a sign or warning of future events.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'stretches forward' ('portendere') to indicate what might happen in the future — that's why a portent is a sign of things to come.

Visually Confused Words