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 WebFedEx Freight is the largest LTL carrier in the U.S. and the transportation services firm’s best-performing business, but its size could perhaps portend some difficulties in finding a buyer for the operation.—Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal, 26 June 2024 Audubon of Florida and Friends of the Wekiva River contend that Hillcrest’s plans portend a flood of loosely regulated and badly done development that could put a death squeeze on the serpentine Wekiva and its adjoining springs and wetland forests.—Kevin Spear, Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2024 The growing tumult in Lebanon also portends instability, but not a lessening of Iranian influence.—Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs, 2 Dec. 2021 They were gathered to welcome the recent birth of a white bison calf — rare not just in color, but also in the message its arrival portends.—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 27 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for portend
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'portend.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin portendere, from por- forward (akin to per through) + tendere to stretch — more at for, thin
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