portentously
/pɔːrˈtɛntəsli/
adverb
- In a way that suggests something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; ominously.
- The stock market dropped portentously, signaling a possible recession.
- The sky darkened portentously, and the wind began to howl.
- He paused portentously before delivering the bad news.
- In a way that is overly serious or self-important, as if something very significant is being said or done.
- The critic portentously announced that the film was a masterpiece.
- She portentously declared that her decision would change everything.
- He portentously cleared his throat before giving his opinion.
Antonyms