Definition of the word portentousness

The word "portentousness" has its roots in Latin. "Portentous" comes from the Latin word "portentum," meaning "divine sign" or "omen." This word is derived from "portare," meaning "to carry" or "to bear," and the suffix "-entum," which forms an abstract noun. In English, "portentous" has been used since the 15th century to describe something that is ominous or foreboding, often in a supernatural or prophetic sense. The adjective "portentous" has a sense of gravity and seriousness, implying that something significant or threatening is about to unfold. The more recent variant, "portentousness," is an abstract noun that refers to the quality or state of being portentous in nature.