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presage

noun

/ˈprɛsɪdʒ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of presage

A warning or indication of a future event, often through a sign or omen.
"The unusual silence in the forest was an eerie presage that something was amiss."

Detailed meaning of presage

It is a prediction or forewarning of something that is yet to happen. It is often used to describe a feeling or sense that something is about to happen, whether it is good or bad, and can be seen as a sign of things to come. In literature, presage can be used to describe a foreshadowing, that is a literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story, often used to build suspense.

Presage can also be used in a more general sense, to describe any indication or sign that something is about to happen, regardless of whether it is positive or negative.

In a more general sense, presage can also be used as a verb that means to serve as a warning or indication of something, often to indicate something bad or negative. It is often used to describe events that seem to be ominous or foreboding, and that seem to suggest that something bad or significant is about to happen.

Example sentences containing presage

1. The sudden drop in temperature was a presage of the snowstorm that hit us the next day.
2. The frantic chirping of the birds seemed to presage an approaching storm.
3. With a full moon rising, the old sailor spoke of it as a presage for rough seas ahead.
4. The letter was a welcome presage to the fantastic news that was soon to come.
5. The fluttering of the banner in the soft morning breeze was a presage of victory, the soldiers believed.
6. His speech is said to have been a presage to the revolution that swept the nation.

History and etymology of presage

The noun 'presage' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'praesagium.' This Latin term is formed from two components: 'prae,' meaning 'before,' and 'sagium,' derived from 'sagire,' which means 'to perceive keenly' or 'to sense.' 'Praesagium' originally referred to the act of perceiving or sensing something beforehand, often through signs, omens, or other indications. As the English language evolved, 'presage' emerged to describe these forewarnings or indications of future events, typically associated with a sense of warning or anticipation. Therefore, when we use the term 'presage' today, we evoke its Latin origins, highlighting its historical connection to perceiving and foretelling future occurrences through signs and omens.

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Further usage examples of presage

1. The economic indicators were a grim presage of the financial crisis that was about to unfold.
2. She believed that her dreams could act as a presage for events that had yet to occur.
3. The blossoming of cherry trees is a yearly presage of spring’s arrival in Japan.
4. The mood in the room turned somber as his words served as a presage of the difficult times ahead.
5. In ancient times, people believed that eclipses were a presage of disaster or monumental change.
6. The howling winds were a presage of the coming storm.
7. The dark clouds served as a presage of rain.
8. The sudden drop in stock prices was a presage of economic trouble.
9. The owl's hoot was seen as a presage of impending doom.
10. The first snowfall was a presage of winter's arrival.
11. The red sky at night was a presage of good weather.
12. The black cat crossing our path was considered a presage of bad luck.
13. The crumbling foundation was a presage of structural problems.
14. The raven's appearance was a presage of misfortune.
15. The eerie silence in the haunted house was a presage of paranormal activity.
16. The howling coyotes were a presage of danger in the wilderness.
17. The sudden silence in the forest was a presage of an approaching predator.
18. The ominous thunderclouds were a presage of an impending storm.
19. The distant sirens were a presage of trouble in the city.
20. The eerie stillness in the graveyard was a presage of supernatural activity.
21. The sudden drop in temperature was a presage of winter's grip.
22. The withered crops were a presage of a poor harvest.
23. The distant thunder was a presage of a summer storm.
24. The distant drums were a presage of a tribal celebration.
25. The eerie howls in the night were a presage of an otherworldly presence.