In the phrase "the distant thunder portended a storm," what does 'portend' signify?

In the phrase "the distant thunder portended a storm," the word 'portend' signifies the act of predicting or indicating that something is likely to happen in the future. Here, distant thunder serves as a forewarning, suggesting that a storm is on the horizon. The term embodies a sense of foreboding or an omen, where the sound of thunder suggests a change in weather conditions that can be anticipated.

The context of the phrase reinforces the idea that thunder, often associated with stormy weather, serves as a signal. This aligns closely with the provided choice that highlights the predictive nature of 'portend.' Understanding portending as an indication allows readers to grasp its use in forecasting events based on current signs, which makes this choice the most appropriate fit in this scenario.