Ominous
As an Adjective
- Giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen.
- Suggesting danger, misfortune, or evil in the future.
- Dark, threatening, or foreboding in appearance or tone.
As Other Form
- Ominously (Adverb): In a way that suggests something bad is about to happen.
- Omen (Noun): A sign or event that is believed to predict the future, often something bad.
Word History
The word ominous comes from the Latin omen, meaning “sign” or “foreboding.” In the 16th century, it originally had both positive and negative connotations, but over time, it came to be associated mainly with negative predictions and warnings of danger.
Examples
- Dark clouds in the sky looked ominous before the storm.
- There was an ominous silence before he delivered the bad news.
- The old house had an ominous presence at night.
Synonyms
Threatening, foreboding, sinister, menacing, gloomy
Related Words
Warning, eerie, fearful, dreadful
Antonyms
Reassuring, hopeful, promising, bright
