See Also: portentous(dictionary)
portentous(dictionary)

portentous (iou)



portentous adjective. . L15.
[Latin portentosus, formed as PORTENT: see -OUS, -IOUS, -UOUS.]
Of the nature of a portent; presaging an often calamitous event; ominous. L15.
D. Acheson The solemn and portentous look of an eminent physician about to impart grim news.
Awesome, impressive; amazing, marvellous, extraordinary. M16.
[Infl. by PRETENTIOUS adjective.] Pompous, pretentious; overly important, significant. M20.
Times A portentious statement containing the whole truth about the meaning..of life.
portentously adverb L16.