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It may seem like a stretch to say that portend, beloved verb of seers, soothsayers, and meteorologists alike, is related to tendon—the word we use to refer to the dense white fibrous tissue that helps us, well, stretch—but it’s likely true. Portend comes from the Latin verb portendere (“to predict or foretell”), which in turn developed as a combination of the prefix por- (“forward”) and the verb tendere (“to stretch”). Tendere is thought to have led to tendon, among other words. So you might imagine portend as having a literal meaning of “stretching forward to predict.” In any event, the history of the word surely showcases the flexibility of our language.
Examples of portend in a Sentence
Tori Latham, Robb Report, 29 Jan. 2025
At 23, De La Cruz isn't a finished product at the plate or on defense, but his athletic skill and 6-foot-5 frame portend a high ceiling for him in 2025.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
Beyond the mechanics of such a MAGA mega-bill, Trump should give some thought to what his ideas actually portend for the country.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2025
This year’s biggest swing was also one of the worst misfires, with early screenings prior to its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival portending critical and financial doom.
—Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for portend 
Dictionary Entries Near portend
Cite this Entry
“Portend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portend. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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portend
verb
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