ominous

Ominous is an adjective used to describe something that gives a sense that something bad or dangerous is going to happen. It is often applied to atmospheres, signs, or statements that foretell misfortune without asserting specifics. For example, "ominous clouds gathered over the horizon" or "an ominous silence fell over the room." The word can target weather, events, or atmosphere and is commonly used in literature, journalism, and everyday speech.

Etymology: Ominous derives from Latin omen meaning “sign,” with the suffix -ous meaning “full of” or “characterized by.” The form entered English in the late Middle Ages via Old French or directly from Latin.

Usage notes: Ominous emphasizes a negative expectation rather than a definite threat; it conveys mood more than fact. It is often followed by nouns like “tone,” “warning,” “hint,” or “sign.” The adverb form is ominously; the noun is ominousness.

Related terms: Foreboding, portent, omen, portents. Synonyms include foreboding, threatening, sinister, and menacing, while antonyms include reassuring, comforting, and hopeful.

In cultural usage, the term is common in fiction, film, and news reporting to signal suspense or potential danger without making an explicit claim about the outcome.