Words / C2

MIN-uh-t-uh-ree/ˈmɪnətəri/

Minatory means expressing or conveying a threat (formal / literary): a minatory tone, minatory silence. A threat (already in the dictionary) is everyday possible harm; to threaten (already in the dictionary) is the verb, and a menace (already in the dictionary) is a person or thing likely to cause harm. Ominous (already in the dictionary) suggests that something bad is coming — atmosphere, not an uttered threat. Talk of “consequences” is not a dated line.

Meaning

Expressing or conveying a threat (formal / literary).

Examples

• “Minatory talk about “consequences” is not a dated embargo line.”
• “A threat is possible harm (already in B1). To threaten is to say you will harm (already in B2). A menace is a harmful person or thing (already in B2). Ominous is warning of trouble (already in C1) — atmosphere, not a threat uttered. A dated embargo can still be calm. Heat that never states the date is theatre. Write the embargo; leave the growl.”

Good to know

Threatening (formal / literary). Everyday: threat / threaten / menace (already in this dictionary). Close: ominous (atmosphere — already in C1). Heat ≠ a date.

Near in meaning

threatening, menacing, ominous, intimidating

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