Ominous
Adjective
Definition: Giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; threatening; inauspicious.
Synonyms: Threatening, Menacing, Foreboding, Portentous, Sinister, Warning
Antonyms: Reassuring, Promising, Hopeful, Auspicious
- The dark clouds and eerie silence created an ominous atmosphere before the storm.
- The strange noises in the attic were an ominous sign that something was not right.
- Think of an "omen" which is often perceived as a sign of something negative or threatening about to happen.
- Connect the "O" in ominous with "Oh no!", emphasizing the sense of danger or threat.
Etymology:
The word "ominous" comes from the Latin word "ominosus" which means portentous or foreboding.
Historical Usage:The term "ominous" has been used since the late 16th century to describe something that suggests an approaching evil or disaster.
Related Idioms:
"Ominous cloud"
Explanation:Referring to a cloud that looks dark, threatening, or foreboding, often associated with an impending storm.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "ominous" with "ominousness".
Explanation:"Ominous" is an adjective used to describe something that is threatening or foreboding, while "ominousness" is the noun form of the word, referring to the quality or state of being ominous.