threatening
Translation
menacing, intimidating, ominous
Examples
He received a threatening letter.
He received a threatening letter.
The dark clouds look threatening.
The dark clouds look threatening.
Grammar Patterns
a threatening ((noun)) a threatening letter, a threatening look He received a threatening letter.
Similar Words
Synonyms: menacing, intimidating, ominous; Antonyms: friendly, reassuring, harmless
Etymology
Present participle of the verb 'threaten'. The '-ing' suffix forms an adjective indicating an ongoing quality.
Memory Tips
Imagine a big, dark cloud 'threatening' to rain. This connects the word to a sense of impending danger.