Select the word which means the same as the group of words given. Suggesting that something unpleasant is likely to happen
ominous
Finding the Word for Unpleasant Predictions
The question asks us to select a single word that means "Suggesting that something unpleasant is likely to happen". This is a common type of vocabulary question that tests your understanding of nuanced word meanings, especially those related to signs or predictions about the future.
Let's look at each option provided and see which one best fits the definition:
- promising: This word means suggesting that something good or successful is likely to happen. This is the opposite of suggesting something unpleasant.
- ominous: This word is used to describe something that gives the impression that something bad is going to happen; threatening or inauspicious. This definition aligns perfectly with "Suggesting that something unpleasant is likely to happen".
- auspicious: This word means suggesting a positive and prosperous future; favorable. Like "promising", this suggests good things, not unpleasant ones.
- providential: This word means occurring at a favorable time; opportune. It can also suggest divine intervention. While it relates to timing and fortune, it typically implies good fortune, not unpleasant events.
Based on the definitions, the word that means "Suggesting that something unpleasant is likely to happen" is ominous.
| Word | Meaning | Suggests Pleasant or Unpleasant? |
|---|---|---|
| promising | Suggesting good things are likely | Pleasant |
| ominous | Suggesting unpleasant things are likely | Unpleasant |
| auspicious | Favorable, suggesting good fortune | Pleasant |
| providential | Happening at a good time, fortunate | Usually Pleasant |
Understanding Ominous Signs
The word ominous is often used to describe signs, events, or feelings that make you think something bad will happen. For example, "ominous dark clouds" suggest a storm is coming, or an "ominous silence" might suggest trouble.
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary for Predictions
| Word | Core Idea | Example Context |
|---|---|---|
| Promising | Positive potential | A promising start to the project. |
| Ominous | Sign of trouble ahead | An ominous feeling before the news broke. |
| Auspicious | Favorable or lucky | An auspicious day for a wedding. |
| Providential | Fortunate timing | A providential meeting that solved the problem. |
Additional Information on Foreboding Words
Several other words relate to the idea of suggesting something bad or unpleasant is going to happen. Understanding these can help build your vocabulary for describing different shades of warning or negativity:
- Foreboding: A feeling that something bad is going to happen. (This is a feeling, whereas 'ominous' describes the sign itself).
- Threatening: Indicating that harm or danger is possible. (Stronger than 'ominous', implying intent).
- Portentous: Ominous or threatening. (Similar to 'ominous', often suggesting a sign of great significance, sometimes negative).
- Inauspicious: Not conducive to success; unfavorable. (Opposite of 'auspicious', similar in meaning to 'ominous').
Knowing these related terms helps you choose the most precise word when describing situations where the future looks uncertain or negative.
Important Questions from One Word Substitution
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