Ominous
/ˈɒmɪnəs/ adj
adj ·Common ·High school level
Definitions
Adjective
- 1 Of or pertaining to an omen or to omens; being or exhibiting an omen; significant.
"In Cornouaille, Brittany, it is popularly believed that the weather of the last six days of December and the first six of January prognosticates the weather of the twelve months; but in other parts of Brittany it is the first twelve days of January that are supposed to be ominous of the weather for the year."
- 2 Specifically, giving indication of a coming ill; being an evil omen
"California poll support for Jerry Brown's tax increases has ominous implications for U.S. taxpayers too Los Angeles Times Headline April 25, 2011"
Adjective
- 1 presaging ill fortune wordnet
- 2 threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments wordnet
Example
More examples"The sky looks ominous. I wonder if it will rain."
Etymology
From Latin ōminōsus (“full of foreboding”), from ōmen (“forbidden fruit, omen”), from Old Latin osmen, of uncertain origin, with many origins proposed (see ōmen).