portending
|por-tend-ing|
C1
🇺🇸
/pɔrˈtɛndɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/pɔːˈtɛndɪŋ/
(portend)
sign of future events
Etymology
Etymology Information
'portend' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'portendere,' where 'por-' meant 'forth' and 'tendere' meant 'to stretch.'
Historical Evolution
'portendere' transformed into the Old French word 'portendre,' and eventually became the modern English word 'portend' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to stretch forth as a sign,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to be a sign or warning of a future event.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to be a sign or warning that something, especially something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen.
The dark clouds portending a storm loomed over the horizon.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/04/06 08:16