portentous
UK[pɔːˈtɛntəs]US[pɔːrˈtɛntəs]
adj
done in a way that is intended to impress or is meant to be very serious and important, often in a way that seems silly or false
adj
giving a sign or warning that something, especially something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen
Morpheme Breakdown
portent
ous
portent
sign, omen
ous
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'portentous' originates from the latin noun 'portentum', meaning a sign, omen, or prodigy. this noun derives from the verb 'portendere', which combines 'por-' (a variant of 'pro-', meaning 'forth') and 'tendere' (meaning 'to stretch'), thus carrying the literal sense of 'to stretch forth' or 'to indicate'. the core idea evolved from physically pointing something out to signifying a forewarning. the english adjective, formed by adding the latin-derived suffix '-ous' (meaning 'full of'), thus literally means 'full of portent' or 'characterized by being an omen'. over time, its meaning extended beyond genuine omens to describe anything done in an overly solemn or pompous manner intended to seem profoundly significant.
Analysis
Structure: portent (sign, omen) + ous (adjective suffix)
portent (from latin 'portentum', meaning a sign, omen, or marvel, itself from the verb 'portendere', to portend) + ous (a suffix of latin origin forming adjectives, meaning 'full of' or 'characterized by')
Examples
the minister made a portentous announcement about the future of the nation.
there was a portentous silence before the verdict was read.
he has a rather portentous style of speaking, which some find off-putting.