divination
UK: ˌdɪvɪˈneɪʃən | US: ˌdɪvɪˈneɪʃən
n. the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means
n. a prediction or prophecy made through such practices
The word "divination" traces back to Latin divinare ("to foresee, predict"), derived from divinus ("divine, godlike"). The root divin- reflects the ancient belief that prophetic insights came from divine sources. The suffix -ation transforms the verb into a noun, formalizing the act of seeking supernatural knowledge. Historically, divination was tied to rituals interpreting signs (e.g., animal entrails, celestial patterns) as messages from deities.
The priestess practiced divination by reading patterns in the smoke.
Ancient cultures relied on divination to guide important decisions.
His book explores the history of divination across civilizations.
Skeptics dismiss divination as mere superstition.
The oracle’s divination foretold a great famine.