Portend/pɔːrˈtend/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation Portend usually indicates that negative or ominous events lie ahead. The silence in the meeting room portended difficult times for the company. Pro Tip 2/3Use in Literature Often used in literature to create suspense about coming challenges or conflicts. The eerie whistle of the wind portended the hero’s struggle. Pro Tip 3/3Specific Contexts Commonly used in discussions about the weather, economy, and political events. Experts believe these economic indicators portend a recession.