Portentous
[pɔː'tentəs] or [pɔr'tɛntəs]
Definition
(adj.) of momentous or ominous significance; 'such a portentous...monster raised all my curiosity'- Herman Melville; 'a prodigious vision' .
Editor: Rhoda--From WordNet
Definition
(a.) Of the nature of a portent; containing portents; foreshadowing, esp. foreshadowing ill; ominous.
(a.) Hence: Monstrous; prodigious; wonderful; dreadful; as, a beast of portentous size.
Typed by Andy
Synonyms and Synonymous
a. Ominous (of ill), premonitory, ill-boding.
Edited by Caleb
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Indicative, suggestive, threatening, prophetic, predictive, ominous,premonitory
ANT:Auspicious, hopeful, cheering, assuring, animating, encouraging, joyous
Editor: Lorna
Examples
- Did Judy really think you could bring yourself to marry that portentous little ass? Edith Wharton. The House of Mirth.
- Mr. Bumble, catching at the inquiry very quickly, shook his head with portentous solemnity. Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist.
- I am glad to hear it,' said Mr Podsnap with a portentous air. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- Thus the dangers which Bois-Guilbert surmounted, in themselves sufficiently great, became portentous in their narrative. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- As Amy returned from her last trip, Mr. Davis gave a portentous Hem! Louisa May Alcott. Little Women.
- But scarce was this done ere the portentous strength of the Black Knight forced his way inward in despite of De Bracy and his followers. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- I will tell you in your private ear, replied she, wagging her turban three times with portentous significancy. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
Editor: Lorna