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
Christian Weller, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Nonetheless, these policies portend lasting damage to the Chinese economy, especially in view of China’s looming demographic and environmental challenges.
—Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
Courtland Sutton is the No. 1 option and then Marvin Mims Jr.’s late-season surge portends a major role for him this fall.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 14 May 2025
Hampton, assisted by fellow newcomer Mekhi Becton, the massive and athletic right guard, portends this bleak scenario for opposing safeties particularly in the second half of games: Hampton zipping through a crease and attacking downfield – a 221-pounder with 4.46 speed.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for portend
Cite this Entry
“Portend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portend. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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portend
verb
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