How Do You Spell OMINOUSLY?

Pronunciation: [ˈɒmɪnəsli] (IPA)

The word ominously is pronounced /ɒmɪnəsli/ or ah-min-us-lee, with the stress falling on the second syllable. The italicized "o" in the spelling represents the first letter ‘o’ in the phonetic transcription. The spelling of the word, ominously, can be explained by breaking it down into its prefix, "omin-" which is derived from the Latin word "omen", meaning "a sign of something." The suffix "-ous" denotes having the qualities that the prefix implies, in this case, fraught with or causing fear.

OMINOUSLY Meaning and Definition

1. Ominously is an adverb that describes a situation, action, or event that suggests or foreshadows something negative or harmful, typically with an unsettling or inauspicious undertone. The term is derived from the adjective ominous, which signifies an omen or a sign that predicts evil or disaster. When used in a sentence, "ominously" emphasizes the menacing or foreboding aspects of the subject matter.

   Weighted with a sense of impending doom, ominously implies the presence of a threatening atmosphere or a sinister tone. It conveys a feeling of unease, apprehension, or fear, creating a sense of forewarning about a potentially disastrous outcome. In literature or film, this word is frequently employed to build suspense, evoking a sense of dread or impending conflict. For instance, a dark and stormy night might be described ominously to heighten the tension.

   In everyday conversation, the word "ominously" is used to highlight aspects of a situation that evoke negative emotions or anticipation. A sudden change in someone's behavior or a significant shift in circumstances may be seen as ominously portending future trouble. The word serves as a tool to convey a sinister undertone or to emphasize the uneasy or threatening nature of a particular situation, sound, or action.

Top Common Misspellings for OMINOUSLY *

• ominiously 42.8571428%
• omniously 28.5714285%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for OMINOUSLY

• ominousely
• obiously
• ominouse
• anominously
• ominusly
• ominouly
• ominouslyy
• amidously
• ominasly

Etymology of OMINOUSLY

The word ominously derives from the Latin word ominosus, which means full of foreboding or harbinger of misfortune. The Latin term originates from the noun omen, which refers to a sign or a prophetic message. Ultimately, the Latin word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root weid-, meaning to see or to know. This root also gave rise to other words, such as wise and vision.

Similar spelling word for OMINOUSLY

• ominous.