noun
augury
AW-gyuh-ree/ˈɔːɡjəri/
Prediction of future events by interpreting signs.
The woman regards the cracked mirror as an augury of misfortune.
Etymology
Latin augurium named the interpretation of omens; early English augury referred specifically to divination from birds’ flight. The word shifted from the practice of reading signs to a sign believed to foretell what would happen.
In context
"An excellent augury," he said to himself
More examples
- The old text describes augury based on the flight of birds.
- He regarded the early setback as an augury of trouble.
- The ruler consulted several auguries before beginning the campaign.
Forms
augury · auguries
augur verb — To indicate or interpret a likely future outcome.
Similar words
- omen
- Names a sign of the future rather than the interpretive practice.
- divination
- Is the broader practice of seeking hidden knowledge through signs.