omen

[oh-muhn]

noun

1. anything perceived or happening that is believed to portend a good or evil event or circumstance in the future; portent.

   Synonyms: foreboding, augury

2. a prognostic.

3. prophetic significance; presage.

   a bird of ill omen.

verb (used with object)

1. to be an omen of; portend.

2. to divine, as if from omens.

omen

/ ˈəʊmən /

noun

1. a phenomenon or occurrence regarded as a sign of future happiness or disaster

2. prophetic significance

verb

1. (tr) to portend

Other Word Forms

• unomened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of omen¹

First recorded in 1575–85, omen is from the Latin word ōmen

Word History and Origins

Origin of omen¹

C16: from Latin

Synonym Study

See sign.

Example Sentences

"Throughout history, people thought of it as a bad omen. But really, it's just the refraction of light through Earth's atmosphere - the same effect that gives us red sunsets," said Dr Bloomer.

From BBC

Revellers will hope the headliner's name is not a bad omen for the event that had to be cancelled last year due to "extreme weather".

From BBC

"Convicting opposition leaders one after another is not a good omen for any democratic system, and it will seriously damage our already fragile democracy," Bukhari said.

From BBC

When the players changed ends, the bird followed Swiatek to the other side of the court, which Petkovic took as an omen.

From BBC

I set it next to his drink, and the bartender gave me a wink, which felt like a good omen.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• harbinger 
• indication 
• portent 
• premonition