Basic Details
Word: Ominous
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen.
Synonyms: Threatening, sinister, foreboding
Antonyms: Promising, reassuring, auspicious
Idioms and Phrases
- Ominous signs: Indications that something bad might happen in the future. Example: "The dark clouds in the sky were ominous signs of an approaching storm."
- Ominous silence: A silence that feels threatening or foreboding. Example: "When the teacher walked into the room without saying a word, it created an ominous silence."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The ominous thunder in the distance warned us of the approaching storm.
Example 2: As they entered the abandoned house, an ominous feeling overcame them.
Example 3: The movie included many ominous moments that kept the audience on edge.
Fun Fact
The word "ominous" comes from the Latin word "ominare," which means "to foretell" or "to predict." It has been used in English since the 15th century!
Famous Quote
"When you see an ominous cloud on the horizon, it is best to prepare for the storm." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "ominous" mean?
a) Pleasant
b) Giving warning of bad events
c) Relaxing
d) Happy
Answer: b) Giving warning of bad events
2. Which of these is a synonym of "ominous"?
a) Bright
b) Reassuring
c) Threatening
d) Joyful
Answer: c) Threatening
3. Which word is an antonym of "ominous"?
a) Sinister
b) Reassuring
c) Foreboding
d) Dreadful
Answer: b) Reassuring
4. Which sentence uses "ominous" correctly?
a) The food smelled ominous and delicious.
b) The ominous sounds of howling winds signalled the storm's arrival.
c) She wore an ominous dress to the party.
d) He played an ominous song on the piano.
Answer: b) The ominous sounds of howling winds signalled the storm's arrival.
5. Which idiom means something gives a warning of bad events?
a) Ominous silence
b) Happy as a clam
c) A blessing in disguise
d) A fool's errand
Answer: a) Ominous silence
