augury
UK: ˈɔːɡjʊri | US: ˈɔːɡjəri
n. the practice of interpreting omens or signs to predict the future
n. an omen or prophecy, especially one derived from observing birds (historical)
n. a sign or portent of something to come
The word "augury" traces back to Latin augurium, derived from augur, a priest in ancient Rome who interpreted the will of the gods by studying the flight patterns of birds. The root augur likely originates from an older Indo-European root meaning "to increase" or "to prosper," reflecting the belief that omens could guide favorable outcomes. Over time, "augury" expanded beyond avian signs to encompass any form of divination or prophetic symbolism.
The ancient Romans relied heavily on augury to make political decisions.
The sudden storm was seen as an augury of misfortune.
She dismissed his warning as mere superstition, not a genuine augury.
In literature, the owl’s cry often serves as an augury of death.
His success in the trial was taken as an augury for his future career.