Portend — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /pȯr-ˈtend/ por·tend

Meaning & Definition of Portend

Portend (verb)

  1. to give an omen or anticipatory sign of
  2. indicate, signify

Portend (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to be a sign or warning that something usually bad or unpleasant is going to happen

    "The distant thunder portended a storm."

    "If you're superstitious, a black cat portends trouble."

    similar: bode, forebode, promise, augur, call, forecast, foretell, predict, presage, prognosticate, prophesy, read, vaticinate, alert, caution, forewarn, warn, anticipate, divine, foreknow, foresee, announce, declare, herald, proclaim
    opposite: describe, narrate, recite, recount, relate, report, tell

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Portend

The most common words with a similar meaning to Portend:

bode, forebode, promise, augur, call, forecast, foretell, predict, presage, prognosticate, prophesy, read, vaticinate, alert, caution, forewarn, warn, anticipate, divine, foreknow, foresee, announce, declare, herald, proclaim

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Portend

Words with the opposite meaning of Portend:

describe, narrate, recite, recount, relate, report, tell

Word Forms of Portend

Inflections: portended, portending, portends

Origin & Etymology of Portend

Middle English, from Latin portendere, from por- forward (akin to per through) + tendere to stretch for, thin

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Portend

What does "Portend" mean?

"Portend" means to give an omen or anticipatory sign of. As a verb, it is defined as: to give an omen or anticipatory sign of.

What is another word for "Portend"?

Other words for "Portend" include bode, forebode, promise, augur, call, forecast, foretell and predict. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Portend" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Portend"?

There are 25 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Portend". Common alternatives include bode, forebode, promise, augur, call, forecast, foretell, predict, presage and prognosticate.

What is the opposite of "Portend"?

Antonyms of "Portend" include describe, narrate, recite, recount, relate, report and tell.

How do you use "Portend" in a sentence?

Examples of "Portend" in a sentence: "The distant thunder portended a storm."; "If you're superstitious, a black cat portends trouble.".

Is "Portend" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Portend" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Portend"?

"Portend" is pronounced /pȯr-ˈtend/ and divided into syllables as por·tend.

What is the origin of the word "Portend"?

"Portend" comes from Middle English, from Latin portendere, from por- forward (akin to per through) + tendere to stretch for, thin. First known use: 15th century.