Choose the most appropriate synonym for the word: Portend
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Foretell
- Portend means to be a sign or warning that something, usually bad, is going to happen.
Example: Dark clouds portend a heavy storm. - Foretell means to tell or show what will happen in the future. Both words point to a future event in advance, so foretell is the synonym of portend.
Example: No one can foretell the result of the election.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Enhance — Incorrect. Enhance means to improve or increase the quality of something; it says nothing about the future.
Example: Good lighting can enhance the look of a room.
Option 2: Amplify — Incorrect. Amplify means to make louder or larger; it is about increase, not warning.
Example: The microphone will amplify your voice.
Option 4: Portray — Incorrect. Portray means to show or describe someone in a picture, film or book; it only looks like portend.
Example: The film portrays the life of a village teacher.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| portend | – | – | – | 02-07 S3 | – |