David Miliband

What is the big political issue for Britain at the moment? Without wishing to sound portentous, it is about whether we can build a social democratic settlement, whether we can lay the political and cultural foundations for the next several years.

British Politician

Use 'portentous' to describe settings or events that hint at impending danger or trouble.

Foreboding Scenes

'Portentous' indicates a strong likelihood that something bad will happen, often used in narratives.

Imminent Warning

Applies to describe a vague, unsettling premonition about future events.

Subtle Intuition

Use 'portentous' when someone is exaggerating their importance in a serious manner.

Serious Pretense

Use this sense of 'portentous' to imply false or undeserved grandiosity.

Mocking Grandeur

Can be used sarcastically to mock someone who is full of self-importance.

Sardonic Tone

Used in literature, 'portentous' can describe a grand event or character presence.

Literary Majesty

It shows a dramatic emphasis on significance or impact in a story or speech.

Magnified Importance

Often used to give a sense of gravitas to historical or culturally significant events.