augur
C1Formal, literary, academic (especially historical contexts).
Definition
Meaning
To be a sign or warning that something will happen in the future; to predict or foretell.
Historically: a religious official in ancient Rome who interpreted omens to guide public decisions. As a verb: to serve as an omen or sign of a future outcome; to bode well or ill.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, often used with 'well' or 'ill/badly'. The subject is typically an event, circumstance, or sign, not a person making a prediction. The noun form ('an augur') is rare in modern usage outside historical reference.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The noun form referencing the Roman official is equally historical in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, carries a formal, somewhat archaic, or literary tone. May imply a portentous or significant prediction.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties. Slightly more likely in academic/historical texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Event/Sign] augurs [Adverb: well/ill] for [Outcome/Person].[Event/Sign] augurs [Noun Phrase: trouble/success].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It augurs well/ill (for someone/something).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'The latest sales figures augur well for the upcoming quarter.' Used in reports to indicate future prospects.
Academic
'The treaty's vague language augured the conflicts that would follow.' Used in historical/political analysis.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used humorously or dramatically: 'This rain doesn't augur well for our picnic.'
Technical
Primarily in historical studies referencing Roman practices of augury.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The sudden silence did not augur well for the meeting's outcome.
- Their early cooperation augured a successful partnership.
American English
- The dark clouds augured a serious storm for the afternoon.
- Such strong polling numbers augur well for her campaign.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The calm before the storm often augurs the most violent weather.
- His friendly attitude augurs well for our future collaboration.
- The breakdown in diplomatic communications augured a protracted period of tension.
- To the ancient augurs, the flight patterns of birds were rich with meaning.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'AUGUR' as 'A U Gonna Understand the Result?' – it's about predicting an outcome.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FUTURE IS A LANDSCAPE AHEAD (we see signs/omens that tell us what it holds).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'агроном' (agronomist). The Russian word 'авгур' exists but is a direct, very low-frequency borrowing. It's safer to use 'предвещать', 'предсказывать', or 'сулить (хорошее/плохое)'. The construction 'Это сулит хорошо/плохо' mirrors 'It augurs well/ill'.
Common Mistakes
- Using a person as the subject of the verb (e.g., 'The economist augured a recession' – better: 'The data augured a recession'). Confusing spelling with 'auger' (a tool).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'augur' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is relatively formal and low-frequency. It's most common in writing, particularly in historical, academic, or literary contexts.
Not typically in modern usage. The subject is usually an event, sign, or situation that serves as an omen. A person would 'predict' or 'prophesy'.
'Augur' implies prediction based on signs or omens, often with a sense of foreboding or significant consequence. 'Predict' is more general and neutral, based on data, analysis, or intuition.
Primarily as a verb. The noun form ('an augur') is almost exclusively used in reference to the historical Roman officials.
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