omen
C1Formal, literary; occasionally used in everyday speech with dramatic or ironic intent.
Definition
Meaning
An event or phenomenon believed to be a sign or warning of a future event, typically a bad one.
A prophetic sign or portent of any kind, which can be interpreted positively or negatively; more broadly, any indicator of future trends or outcomes.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The default interpretation leans towards a negative or ominous sign, though context can specify a 'good omen'. The word carries a sense of fate or supernatural agency.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties. Both associate the word primarily with superstition, prophecy, or literary/dramatic effect.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English due to a marginally higher retention in formal and literary registers, but the difference is negligible.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be + an omen + of + [noun phrase] (It was an omen of disaster)consider/view/see + [noun phrase] + as an omentake + [noun phrase] + as an omen[noun phrase] + bode/portend + an omenVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a bird of ill omen”
- “bode ill/well (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Used metaphorically: 'The sudden market dip was seen as a bad omen for the quarterly results.'
Academic
Used in historical, literary, anthropological, or religious studies to discuss belief systems and symbolism.
Everyday
Used for dramatic or superstitious effect: 'Finding a parking spot right away is a good omen for the day!'
Technical
Not used in scientific contexts except when discussing perceptions or cultural beliefs.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The rare event was said to omen a great change in the kingdom's fortunes. (rare, archaic)
American English
- Such strange weather patterns were thought to omen societal upheaval. (rare, archaic)
adjective
British English
- The novel's omen-filled atmosphere created a sense of dread. (rare, derived)
American English
- She had an omen-like dream the night before the accident. (rare, non-standard)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The black cat was a bad omen.
- Is a rainbow a good omen?
- Many people saw the broken mirror as an ill omen for the new year.
- The sunny morning was a good omen for our picnic.
- Historians argue whether the comet was truly an omen of the emperor's downfall.
- She took his late arrival as an omen that the meeting would go poorly.
- The sudden silence among the investors was an ominous omen for the startup's funding round.
- In Roman times, priests would scrutinise bird flight patterns for auspicious or inauspicious omens.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'OMEN' as 'Oh, men!' – an exclamation of warning about something significant happening.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FUTURE IS A LANDSCAPE TO BE READ (signs/omens are texts or symbols on that landscape).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить автоматически как "знак" (sign). "Omen" специфичен и связан с предсказанием будущего, а не обычным указателем.
- Избегать кальки "предзнаменование" в разговорной речи, это слишком книжно. Лучше "дурной знак" / "хорошая примета".
- Не смешивать с "symbol" (символ). Омен — это specifically событие-предвестник.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for any ordinary sign (e.g., 'The dark clouds are an omen of rain' – overkill, 'sign' is better).
- Pronouncing it /ˈɒm.ən/ (like 'OM' with 'en') instead of the correct two-syllable /ˈəʊ.mən/.
- Using it as a verb without the suffix '-ate' (incorrect: 'It omens well'; correct: 'It bodes well' or 'It portends well').
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following sentences is 'omen' used LEAST appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, though less common. It requires specification like 'good omen' or 'auspicious omen'. By itself, 'omen' often implies negativity.
Very rarely and archaically. The verb form is largely obsolete. Modern English uses 'portend', 'bode', 'presage', or 'foretell' instead.
An omen is a specific type of sign that is believed to prophetically foretell a future event, often of significance. A 'sign' is broader and can indicate a present state (e.g., a road sign) or a simple cause-effect relationship.
It is formal and literary. In casual conversation, people are more likely to say 'bad sign', 'good luck sign', or 'bad feeling about this' unless they are being deliberately dramatic or humorous.
Explore