presage

presage
1 of 2
noun
pres·;age ;pre-sij  also pri-;s;j
Synonyms of presage
1
: something that foreshadows or portends a future event : omen
2
: an intuition or feeling of what is going to happen in the future
3
archaic : prognostication
4
: warning or indication of the future
presageful
pri-;s;j-f;l
 adjective
presage

2 of 2
verb
pre·;sage ;pre-sij  pri-;s;j
presaged; presaging
transitive verb

1
: to give an omen or warning of : foreshadow
2
: foretell, predict
intransitive verb

: to make or utter a prediction
presager noun obsolete


Did you know?
Although sages, being known for their great wisdom, are sometimes believed to possess the ability to predict the future, there is no connection between the noun sage and the verb presage, which means—as you’ve likely foreseen—“to foretell or predict.” While sage comes from the Latin verb sapere (“to be wise”), presage comes instead from a different Latin source: the adjective praesagus, a combination of the prefix prae and sagus, meaning “prophetic.” Presage entered English first as a noun referring to an omen, that is, something that foreshadows or portends a future event. A couple of centuries later it was joined by the verb, which is used for the action of foreshadowing, as in “the current economic slowdown could presage another recession,” and may apply to suggesting a coming event or indicating its likelihood.

Synonyms
Noun

foreboding
premonition
presentiment
prognostication
Verb

augur
call
forecast
foretell
predict
prognosticate
prophesy
read
vaticinate
Examples of presage in a Sentence
Noun
I had a nagging presage that the results of my medical tests would not be good.
the sight of the first robin is always a welcome presage of spring
Verb
Many investors are worried that the current slowdown could presage another recession.
events that presaged the civil rights movement
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In politics, there are liars and better liars How the Biden administration helped avoid a coup in Guatemala China’s meddling in Taiwan election presages year of misinformation threats Need help keeping up with this tumultuous election?
—Washington Post, 12 Jan. 2024
The New Moon in Virgo, which occurs shortly after Mercury turns direct, presages really big beginnings throughout the zodiac.
—Jennifer Culp, Them, 16 Aug. 2024
Verb
But for a moment that presaged a post-Covid era of good feelings, flash back to February.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
The timing may have seemed inauspicious, but in hindsight, the debut of the 3940 presaged a new era for Patek Philippe, marked by serial production of complicated timepieces.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History
Etymology
Noun

Middle English, from Latin praesagium, from praesagus having a foreboding, from prae- + sagus prophetic — more at seek

First Known Use
Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1562, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of presage was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century
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Dictionary Entries Near presage
presa

presage

presagement

Cite this Entry
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MLA
“Presage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presage. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.

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Kids Definition
presage

1 of 2
noun
pres·;age ;pres-ij
1
: omen
2
: a warning or suggestion of future events
presage

2 of 2
verb
pre·;sage ;pres-ij  pri-;s;j
presaged; presaging
1
: to give a sign or warning of : portend
2
: foretell, predict

More from Merriam-Webster on presage
Nglish: Translation of presage for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: 2 Feb 2025 - Updated Did you know?