Type any word!

Portent Meaning in English

word

ˈpɔɹtɛnt
PAWR-tent
pˈɔːtənt
PAW-tent

Definition

A sign or warning that something, often something important or bad, is going to happen in the future.

Usage & Nuances

'Portent' is formal and literary, commonly used in serious or dramatic contexts. It usually suggests a supernatural or mysterious sign predicting something important, often negative. Common with 'of': 'a portent of doom.' Rarely used in casual conversation.

Example Sentences

The dark clouds were a portent of the coming storm.

basic

Some people believe a broken mirror is a portent of bad luck.

basic

The sudden silence in the forest seemed like a portent of danger.

basic

The crack of thunder was seen by many as a portent that something terrible was about to happen.

natural

Many in town saw the mayor's resignation as a portent of political change.

natural

She treated the owl's call at midnight as a portent, just in case.

natural