adj.
Pronunciation: po ̇ r- ' ten-t ə s
Function: adjective
Date: 15th century
1 : of, relating to, or constituting a portent <suspense, portentous foreshadowing, hints of sinister and violent mysteries ― Francine Prose>
2 : eliciting amazement or wonder : PRODIGIOUS
3 a : being a grave or serious matter < portentous decisions> b : self-consciously solemn or important : POMPOUS < portentous declamation unsalted by the least trace of humor ― W. H. Pritchard> c : ponderously excessive <that discipline's overwrought, portentous phrases ― R. M. Coles>
synonyms see OMINOUS
– por · ten · tous · ly adverb
– por · ten · tous · ness noun