How Do You Spell OMINOUS?

Pronunciation: [ˈɒmɪnəs] (IPA)

"Ominous" is a word that describes something that gives a feeling of impending danger or evil. It is spelled with the letter "o" followed by the letters "m-i-n-o-u-s". In phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ˈɒmɪnəs/, with the "o" sounding like the "o" in "hot", the "i" sounding like the "i" in "pit", and the final "s" being pronounced as an "z". The stressed syllable is the second, "mi".

OMINOUS Meaning and Definition

  1. Ominous is an adjective used to describe something that conveys a sense of impending danger, evil, or harm, often leading to a feeling of anxiety or foreboding. It depicts a feeling of threat or negativity, indicating that something bad or unpleasant is likely to happen in the near future. The word is derived from the Latin term "ominosus," meaning "full of menace or foreboding."

    When a situation, event, or object is described as ominous, it suggests that it is a sign, omen, or forewarning of potential trouble or misfortune. It encompasses a range of negative emotions, such as unease, dread, and fear, as it induces a sense of caution or apprehension. Ominousness can be perceived in various forms, including the behavior of individuals, the atmosphere surrounding a particular place or event, or even in the physical appearance of an object.

    The use of specific elements such as darkness, threatening weather conditions, eerie sounds, or eerie silence often amplifies the ominous nature of a situation. Ominous can also be associated with a feeling of being watched, a feeling of impending doom, or a sense of an unseen force. However, it is worth noting that the presence of an ominous atmosphere does not guarantee that a negative outcome will occur, as it mainly refers to the feeling of an imminent threat rather than certainties. Nonetheless, the word serves as a potent descriptor in evoking emotions related to inauspicious circumstances and adding an element of suspense or anticipation to a narrative or description.

  2. • Foreboding evil; inauspicious.
    • See under omen.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

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Etymology of OMINOUS

The word "ominous" derives from the Latin word "ominōsus", which is derived from the noun "omen", meaning a sign or omen. In ancient Rome, people believed that omens served as warnings or indications of future events. The suffix "-ous" is used to form adjectives in English, hence "ominōsus" became "ominous". Thus, "ominous" literally means "pertaining to an omen" or "foreboding".

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