astrology: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, semi-formal, informal (depending on context)
Quick answer
What does “astrology” mean?
The study of how the positions and movements of celestial bodies are believed to influence human affairs and natural phenomena on Earth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The study of how the positions and movements of celestial bodies are believed to influence human affairs and natural phenomena on Earth.
A system of belief, divination, or personality analysis based on the interpretation of zodiac signs, planetary alignments, and their purported connection to terrestrial events and human characteristics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Usage patterns and cultural acceptance may vary slightly.
Connotations
Generally similar connotations (pseudoscience, divination, entertainment). In both varieties, it can carry connotations of superstition, non-scientific belief, or light-hearted personality analysis.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties. Common in lifestyle, entertainment, and certain cultural discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “astrology” in a Sentence
[Subject] + studies/practises/reads/believes in + astrologyAstrology + suggests/predicts/indicates + [clause]According to astrology, + [clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “astrology” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No common verb form. Periphrasis used: 'to practise astrology' or 'to cast a horoscope'.
American English
- No common verb form. Periphrasis used: 'to read astrology charts' or 'to follow astrology'.
adverb
British English
- astrologically (e.g., astrologically significant, astrologically inclined)
American English
- astrologically (e.g., astrologically speaking, astrologically based)
adjective
British English
- astrological (e.g., astrological chart, astrological prediction)
American English
- astrological (e.g., astrological sign, astrological forecast)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in businesses related to publishing (e.g., astrology columns), entertainment, or niche marketing.
Academic
Used in historical, cultural, religious, or sociological studies to describe belief systems; often contrasted with scientific astronomy.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation about horoscopes, personality traits based on zodiac signs, or future predictions.
Technical
Not used in scientific contexts except to denote a historical practice or as a subject of critique.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “astrology”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “astrology”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “astrology”
- Confusing 'astrology' with 'astronomy'. Using 'astrology' in a scientific context. Incorrect: 'NASA scientists use astrology.' Correct: 'NASA scientists use astronomy.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, astrology is not considered a science. It is classified as a pseudoscience or a belief system because its claims are not testable or falsifiable by the scientific method and are not supported by empirical evidence.
Astronomy is the scientific study of celestial objects (stars, planets, galaxies) and the universe as a whole. Astrology is a non-scientific practice that posits a relationship between celestial phenomena and events or personality traits on Earth.
Major traditions include Western astrology (based on the tropical zodiac), Vedic astrology (based on the sidereal zodiac, from India), and Chinese astrology (based on a 12-year animal cycle and other elements).
People may follow astrology for entertainment, cultural tradition, as a tool for self-reflection or introspection, for a sense of guidance or comfort, or as part of a spiritual or philosophical worldview separate from scientific claims.
The study of how the positions and movements of celestial bodies are believed to influence human affairs and natural phenomena on Earth.
Astrology is usually formal, semi-formal, informal (depending on context) in register.
Astrology: in British English it is pronounced /əˈstrɒlədʒi/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈstrɑːlədʒi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Written in the stars”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ASTRO (stars) + LOGY (study of) = study of the stars (for divination).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE COSMOS IS A BOOK (the stars 'tell' stories), THE STARS ARE AGENTS (they 'influence' lives), HUMAN LIFE IS MAPPED ONTO THE SKY.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key distinction between astrology and astronomy?