portend
To be a sign or warning that something is likely to happen
Examples
In a meeting
“The decline in early metrics may portend challenges for our Q4 targets.”
Over coffee
“Those dark clouds portend a serious storm coming our way.”
Why this word
predict
Portend means to serve as an omen or warning sign, not just forecast
indicate
Portend suggests foreboding or prophetic significance, especially of something negative
suggest
Portend carries a sense of fate or ominous warning rather than casual implication
Usage tip
Use when something serves as an omen or early indicator of future events, often negative
Etymology
Latin 'portendere' from 'por-' (forth) + 'tendere' (to stretch)
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Related words
extrapolate
Extend known information to predict unknown outcomes
prognosis
A forecast of the likely outcome or course of a condition
forecast
To predict or estimate future events or trends
imperil
To put something at risk or in danger
synthesis
The combining of separate elements to form a coherent whole
comprehension
The ability to understand the meaning or importance of something