Omen
An omen (also called portent or presage) is a phenomenon that is believed to foretell the future, often signifying the advent of change. People in ancient times believed that omens bring a divine message from their gods.These omens include natural phenomena, for example an eclipse, abnormal births of animals and humans and behavior of the sacrificial lamb on its way to the slaughter. They had specialists, the diviners, to interpret these omens. They would also use an artificial method, for example, a clay model of a sheep liver, to communicate with their gods in times of crisis. They would expect a binary answer, either yes or no answer, favorable or unfavorable. They did these to predict what would happen in the future and to take action to avoid disaster.Though the word “omen” is usually devoid of reference to the change’s nature, hence being possibly either “good” or “bad,” the term is more often used in a foreboding sense, as with the word “ominous”. The origin of the word is unknown, although it may be connected with the Latin word audire, meaning “to hear.”
Omen (noun)
Something which portends or is perceived to portend a good or evil event or circumstance in the future; an augury or foreboding.
“the ghost’s appearance was an ill omen”
“a rise in imports might be an omen of economic recovery”
“the egg has, during the span of history, represented mystery, magic, medicine, food and omen”
Omen (noun)
prophetic significance
“a sign of ill omen”
Omen (verb)
To be an omen of.
Omen (verb)
To divine or predict from omens.
Portent (noun)
Something that portends an event about to occur, especially an unfortunate or evil event; an omen.
Portent (noun)
A portending; significance
“a howl of dire portent”
Portent (noun)
Something regarded as portentous; a marvel; prodigy.
Omen (noun)
an event regarded as a portent of good or evil
“a rise in imports might be an omen of recovery”
“the ghost’s appearance was an ill omen”
Omen (noun)
prophetic significance
“the raven seemed a bird of evil omen”
Portent (noun)
a sign or warning that a momentous or calamitous event is likely to happen
“many birds are regarded as being portents of death”
Portent (noun)
future significance
“an omen of grave portent for the tribe”
Portent (noun)
an exceptional or wonderful person or thing
“what portent can be greater than a pious notary?”