Definition of the word portend

The word "portend" can be traced back to the Middle English period, around the 14th century. It originated from the Old French word "preter" which meant "to state beforehand." The French word itself had roots in the Latin word "praeterire," which meant "to pass by, to leave behind." In Old French, the verb form "preter" was used to indicate an action that would lead to or indicate a future event. This meaning was carried over into Middle English, where it took the form "porten" or "portenden." The word began to take on a more ominous meaning during this time, as it came to be associated with foreboding or warning signs. In its early usage, "portend" was used to describe events that foreshadowed a larger occurrence, such as bad weather that precedes a storm. Over time, the word came to be associated with more ominous signs, such as supernatural events or omens. Today, the word "portend" is still used to describe events that forewarn or signify a future event, often with a sense of foreboding or apprehension. Its origins in Old French and Latin provide insight into the roots of modern English vocabulary and the ways in which language evolves and changes over time.