presage - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
presage Word Meanings
- to predict something that will happen in the future
- a sign or warning of a future event
- indicating that something will occur
presage Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
presage Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈprɛs.ɪdʒ/
US
/ˈprɛs.ɪdʒ/
presage Word Etymology
pre- = before, sage = to know; Origin in Latin presagium (sign, omen) → Old French presage → English presage. Imagine a wise old sage predicting a stormy future by gazing into a crystal ball filled with ominous clouds.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Presage is a verb meaning to predict something that will happen in the future; as a noun it refers to a sign or warning of a future event. In everyday English it is more formal or literary than 'predict' or 'foreshadow', and it often carries a sense of inevitability or doom. The word emphasizes beforehand knowledge by interpretation or intuition, rather than a precise forecast. Common collocations include presage a disaster, presage doom, or be a presage of things to come. The etymology comes from pre- = before and sage = know, originally from Latin presagium, passing through Old French presage into English. Example: dark skies presage a storm.
Usage Reminders
- Use presage in formal or literary contexts
- Reserve as a noun for a sign or omen, not a specific forecast
- Avoid treating presage as a casual synonym of predict or foretell
- Pair with doom or disaster to emphasize inevitability
- Be careful not to confuse presage with portend or foreshadow
- Note that presage is rarely used for people or everyday events
Common Misconceptions
- Presage is only about weather imagery
- Presage and foreshadow are interchangeable in all contexts
- Presage can be used as a casual everyday verb
- Presage always predicts a single exact outcome
- Presage is commonly used for people
Thinking Differences
English tends to separate omen (n.) from forecast (v.) with clear nuance; learners often treat presage like predict, losing its formal, sometimes fatal nuance.
Learning Tips
- Compare presage with foreshadow and portend to feel nuance
- Use in literary or formal writing rather than speech
- Pair with nouns like doom or disaster to stress inevitability
- Remember its noun form refers to a sign, not a forecast
- Learn common collocations: presage a disaster, presage doom
- Practice with weather-related contexts to see natural usage
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'presage'?
A.Adventure
B.Drive
C.Clumsy
D.Predict
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'presage' used correctly?
A.She presaged into the room loudly.
B.The dark clouds presage a coming storm.
C.Presage me the answer quickly.
D.He presaged his thirst with a glass of water.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is an antonym for 'presage'?
A.Forecast
B.Surmise
C.Omen
D.Dread
Step 4: Opposite Words
In what real-life context would you use the word 'presage'?
A.Asking for directions
B.Talking about a funny joke
C.Ordering food at a restaurant
D.Describing a weather phenomenon
Step 5: Mastery
Reflect on a situation where predicting the future could be described as 'presage'.
A.Choosing a menu item at a restaurant
B.Visiting a fortune teller
C.Fixing a broken car
D.Playing a video game
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