What does presage mean?
Presage is a formal word meaning a sign of something to come or a verb meaning to foreshadow what is likely to happen. It can refer to any future event, but its associations with warning, prophecy, and impending misfortune make it especially suitable for ominous contexts. For example, gathering clouds may presage a storm, while a sudden silence in a story might presage danger. The noun and verb have closely related histories and remain more characteristic of literary, historical, or ceremonial writing than of casual modern speech. The word can be especially effective when a writer wants to emphasize that the present moment contains a meaningful indication of what lies ahead.
An indication or warning of a future event, especially an ominous or significant one.
"The empty nest was a presage of the family's departure."
The noun is often used in formal or literary contexts and may imply danger or misfortune.
To indicate or foreshadow a future event or outcome.
"The distant thunder presaged a long and violent storm."
The verb is formal and literary; it often appears in narrative, historical, or dramatic writing.
Used when referring to multiple signs or warnings of future events.
"The old man's words were widely regarded as presages of disaster."
Presage is an old-fashioned but vivid word for a sign that something important is coming, often with an ominous tone.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does presage come from?
Presage comes through Old French from Latin praesagium, a sign or indication of what is to happen. The underlying Latin verb praesagire meant to perceive or foretell, combining prae-, meaning beforehand, with sagire, meaning to perceive keenly. Related English words include prescient and prescience, while sagacious and sagacity preserve the sense of keen perception.
Related word forms
How presage is actually used
Presage is formal and literary. The noun often carries an ominous or weighty connotation, whereas the verb can simply mean to foreshadow. It is not common in everyday conversation.
Easily confused with presage
Presage means to foreshadow or indicate a future event, while prestige means esteem, distinction, or widespread admiration.