What is the difference between portentous and pretentious?

The word pretentious is derived from the Latin word pretentionem which means pretension. Portentous may describe someone who is behaving in a solemn manner in order to impress someone. Portentous may also describe anything that is serious or significant, or something that is ominous pertaining to the future.

What does it mean for someone to be portentous?

portentous \por-TEN-tuss\ adjective. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting a portent. 2 : eliciting amazement or wonder : prodigious. 3 a : being a grave or serious matter. b : self-consciously solemn or important : pompous.

What does it mean if someone is pretentious?

: trying to appear better or more important than is really the case a pretentious snob.

Is portentous good or bad?

That portends evil; ominous. Puffed up with vanity. The definition of portentous is having the feeling of evil or foreboding. An example of portentus is the mood created by spooky music at a haunted house.

What is an example of portentous?

Something that is portentous often seems to hint at or warn of a future disaster. For example, in a movie ominous music playing in the background while someone turns a dark corner can have a portentous quality, predicting doom for the hapless character.

? Pretentious Meaning - Pretentious Examples - Pretentious Defined - Vocabulary Builder -ESL English

What is an antonym for portentous?

Antonyms. unpretentious unrhetorical immature tasteful unostentatious fortunate. grandiloquent overblown pretentious pontifical.

Which of the following words is the best synonym for portentous?

The words fateful and ominous are common synonyms of portentous.

How do you remember the word portentous?

pretentious/ portentous

But a horse head in your bed? That's portentous. And also, call the police. If you get them mixed up, remember that pretentious has an "i" at the end, and portentous has an "o" for "omen."

What does portentous mean in an inspector calls?

[Act 1] In the beginning stage directions, Mr Birling is described as 'portentous'. This adjective implies that he is very serious and important.

What does portentous mean in Great Gatsby?

portentous = indicating something important will happen.

What is an example of pretentious?

The definition of pretentious is someone or something that claims to be very important or grand. An example of pretentious is someone saying they deserve a table in a crowded restaurant because of who they are. Marked by an unwarranted claim to importance or distinction.

Is pretentious an insult?

On the one hand, it's a real shame because “pretentious” is a fantastically declarative-sounding insult, and unlike other teen favorites such “poseur”, it still packs a punch when adults hear it directed at them.

How do I know if I am pretentious?

Here a few signs that someone is pretentious: They believe that liking obscure hobbies or having eccentric interests makes them smart or special. There's nothing wrong with having unusual tastes, but believing that they make you a better person is pretentious.

What is the meaning of precipitately?

/prɪˈsɪp.ɪ.tət.li/ in a way that is too sudden and done without thinking: Scientists are annoyed that the research program has been abandoned so precipitately. Synonyms. hastily.

What is a dandy man?

Definition of dandy

(Entry 1 of 2) 1 : a man who gives exaggerated attention to personal appearance. 2 : something excellent in its class a dandy of a game.

Is Portention a word?

n. 1. The act of foreshowing; foreboding. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, published 1913 by G.

What does hard headed businessman mean?

You use hard-headed to describe someone who is practical and determined to get what they want or need, and who does not allow emotions to affect their actions. ... a hard-headed and shrewd businesswoman. They are taking a hard-headed commercial decision.

What does half shy half assertive mean?

Eric is the Birlings' son and is in his early twenties, he is described as being 'not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive'. In other words, he lacks confidence. At points he tries to stand up to his father but is talked down.

What does heavy looking man mean?

'heavy-looking, rather portentous man' (p. 1) Reveals him as a thickset, pompous man.

Does pretentious mean pretend?

You might not be surprised to learn that pretentious is related to the word pretend, and it is an adjective that fits the bill for describing someone who's only concerned with making an impressive appearance. If you don't want to be accused of being pretentious, just act naturally and don't put on airs!

What is the meaning of ostentatious living?

: attracting or fond of attracting attention by showing off wealth or cleverness They lived in a huge, ostentatious house.

What type of word is portentous?

of the nature of a portent; momentous. ominously significant or indicative: a portentous defeat. marvelous; amazing; prodigious.

What is an antonym of vicariously?

adjective. ( vaɪˈkɛriːəs) Suffered or done by one person as a substitute for another. Antonyms. unexchangeable sane. exchangeable.

Which is the closest antonym for the word magnanimous?

What causes pretentiousness?

Pretentiousness grows out of an awareness the social self, or the version of oneself that exists in the eyes of others. Pretentiousness can develop from a genuine belief that one is better than someone else, or a sense of insecurity.