Portend
hardNegative tonepor-TEND
verb
Definition
To be a sign or warning that something is likely to happen
Memory hook
PORT-END: a sign stretching forward toward what's coming — to foreshadow future events.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Dark clouds portended an approaching storm.”
“The economic indicators portend difficult times ahead.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Dark clouds ______ an approaching storm.”
Show answer
portended
Categories
GRE Tip
Portend is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "presage" or "foreshadow" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "follow".
Related GRE Words
presage
To be a sign or warning of; an omen or portent
augur
To foretell or predict, especially from signs or omens; a prophet or soothsayer
foretoken
A sign of something to come; an omen
omen
An event regarded as a sign of future good or evil
prognosticate
To foretell or prophesy future events
harbinger
A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another
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