portend

verb

por·​tend pȯr-ˈtend How to pronounce portend (audio)
portended; portending; portends

transitive verb

1
: to give an omen or anticipatory sign of
2

Did you know?

It may seem like a stretch to say that portend, beloved verb of seers, soothsayers, and meteorologists alike, is related to tendon—the word we use to refer to the dense white fibrous tissue that helps us, well, stretch—but it’s likely true. Portend comes from the Latin verb portendere (“to predict or foretell”), which in turn developed as a combination of the prefix por- (“forward”) and the verb tendere (“to stretch”). Tendere is thought to have led to tendon, among other words. So you might imagine portend as having a literal meaning of “stretching forward to predict.” In any event, the history of the word surely showcases the flexibility of our language.

Examples of portend in a Sentence

The distant thunder portended a storm. If you're superstitious, a black cat portends trouble.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images India’s tax reform plans portend a consumption boom At a time when U.S. trade tariffs on India have been making headlines, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tax relief plans have stolen some of the media limelight. Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2025 Does a return to the sound and the collaborators of 1989 also portend a return to the blockbuster status of 1989? Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 21 Aug. 2025 Pretty botanical artwork on the label portends what’s within — a real charmer that makes a nice plus one at a party. Lana Bortolot, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025 Unfortunately, this scenario represents a national obsession that has no inherent benefits but also portends deep regret for millions. Scott Liftman, Boston Herald, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for portend

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin portendere, from por- forward (akin to per through) + tendere to stretch — more at for, thin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of portend was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Portend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portend. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

portend

verb
por·​tend pȯr-ˈtend How to pronounce portend (audio)
pōr-
: to give a sign or warning of beforehand

More from Merriam-Webster on portend

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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