The bad news may be a portentous sign.

这个坏消息或许是一个不祥的征兆。

The villagers were fooled by the swindlers' portentous remarks.

村民们被骗子装腔作势的言论给唬住了。

The professor's portentous talk aroused everyone's disgust.

教授那自命不凡的高谈阔论引起了大家的反感。

Recent developments are as portentous as the collapse of the Berlin Wall.

最近的事态发展就像柏林墙倒塌一样有预兆

There was nothing portentous or solemn about him. He was bubbling with humour.

他身上一点也不装腔作势或故作严肃。他幽默十足。

In social politics, too, the city's contribution to 20th century thought and culture was no less portentous.

从社会政治学上看，该市对20世纪思想、文化的贡献也同样意义重大。

A portentous souffle that never truly rises.

一部自命不凡的杂凑，不可能真正成功。

There are flaws, of course (and not just the portentous title).

当然，小说中也有瑕疵（还不只是那个怪异的书名）。

He introduced each portentous subject with buoyant enthusiasm.

他热情彭湃地介绍着每个怪异的话题。