Etymology Map
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Omen

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a sign of future good or evil

Where does the word "omen" come from? It comes from Latin omen, adopted directly into English (1580s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
omen
Latin · ancient
"foreboding sign"
possibly from an old word for 'what is heard'
2
Stage 2 of 2
omen
English · 1580s
"portent"
'ominous' follows from it
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Read the full story

Omen’s story begins in Latin: omen meant “foreboding sign.” Possibly from an old word for 'what is heard'. It reached English by 1580s as omen. 'ominous' follows from it. Today, omen means a sign of future good or evil.