Word of the Day : February 2, 2023

portend \por-TEND\ verb

What It Means

Portend is usually used in formal and literary contexts as a verb meaning “to give a sign or warning that something is going to happen.” The “something” in question is often, though not always, considered bad or unpleasant.

// Many superstitious people believe that breaking a mirror portends trouble.

// The old saying about a halo around the moon portending rain has some truth to it: the halo is caused by cirrus clouds drifting 20,000 feet or more above the Earth, and high cirrus clouds often precede stormy weather.

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portend in Context

Aired February 2, 2023

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