English Dictionary

Definition of “presage

presage

Definitions

noun

  1. an intimation or warning of something about to happen; portent; omen
  2. a sense of what is about to happen; foreboding
  3. archaic a forecast or prediction

verb

  1. (tr) to have a presentiment of
  2. (tr) to give a forewarning of; portend
  3. (intr) to make a prediction

Alternative Forms

preˈsageful adjective preˈsagefully adverb preˈsager noun

Word Origin

C14: from Latin praesāgium  presentiment, from praesāgīre  to perceive beforehand, from sāgīre to perceive acutely

Usage examples

  • But in medicine it is used to describe the symptoms which presage the onset of an epileptic fit.
    Anthony Masters, CASCADES - THE DAY OF THE DEAD (2001)
  • So when the parliamentary bells presage the summer lull, he may allow himself some quiet satisfaction.
    The Advertiser, Sunday Mail (2004)
  • The board also says his departure does not presage a change in corporate strategy.
    Independent (1998)
  • There was a growing crisis in eastern Europe which seemed to presage a growth of Russian power.
    French, David, The British way in Warfare - 1688-2000 (1990)

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