Portend
hardpor-TEND
verb
Definition
To be a sign or warning that something is likely to happen
Examples
“Dark clouds portended an approaching storm.”
“The economic indicators portend difficult times ahead.”
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
portent
A sign or warning that something, especially something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen
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