Augurs – Definition & Meaning

Augurs are individuals who are believed to have the ability to predict the future by interpreting signs and omens. This ancient practice has been used for centuries in various cultures around the world. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, and associations of augurs.

Definitions

An augur is a person who practices divination, the art of interpreting signs and omens to predict future events. The term “augur” also refers to the practice of divination itself.

Origin

The practice of augury can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was an important part of religious and political life. The augurs were a group of priests who were responsible for interpreting the will of the gods by observing the flight of birds, the behavior of animals, and other natural phenomena.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an augur is “a religious official in ancient Rome who interpreted omens and signs to guide public affairs.” Merriam-Webster defines an augur as “one of a group of ancient Roman officials charged with observing and interpreting omens for guidance in public affairs.”

Associations

The practice of augury is often associated with ancient Rome and other ancient civilizations, but it has also been used in other cultures around the world. In some Native American cultures, for example, the behavior of animals is believed to be a sign of future events.

Synonyms

Synonyms for augurs include diviners, oracles, soothsayers, prophets, and seers.

Antonyms

Antonyms for augurs include skeptics, realists, and cynics.

The same root words

The word “augur” comes from the Latin word “augurium,” which means “divination” or “omen.” The same root words are found in other words related to divination, such as “augury” and “augment.”

Example Sentences

1. The augur predicted that the harvest would be bountiful this year.
2. The ancient Romans consulted the augurs before making important decisions.
3. The tribe’s chief was also the community’s augur, responsible for interpreting signs and omens.
4. The augurs of ancient Greece believed that the behavior of animals could foretell future events.
5. The skeptics dismissed the augur’s predictions as mere superstition.