augurer
C2Formal, Literary
Definition
Meaning
To predict a future event or outcome, often based on signs or omens; to foretell or portend.
To serve as a sign or omen of a future outcome; to indicate or foreshadow.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Derives from the practice of augury (interpreting omens, especially from birds). Often used figuratively to suggest prediction based on subtle signs rather than explicit evidence. Carries a connotation of ancient or mystical divination.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant orthographic or syntactic differences. Slightly more likely to be found in historical or literary texts in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes antiquity, formality, and sometimes superstition in both varieties.
Frequency
Very low frequency in contemporary usage in both UK and US English. Primarily encountered in formal writing, historical novels, or academic texts on antiquity.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to augur well/ill for [something/someone][subject] augurs [object/outcome]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “augur well”
- “augur ill”
- “to augur a change”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Used metaphorically in analyses: 'The latest sales figures augur a difficult quarter ahead.'
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or cultural studies discussing prophecy, omens, or foreshadowing.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound archaic or overly formal.
Technical
Not used in technical fields except perhaps in specialised discussions of divination practices.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The early election polls do not augur a clear victory for either party.
- Such dark clouds might augur a storm later this evening.
American English
- The company's quarterly loss augurs major layoffs ahead.
- His silence on the issue augured poorly for the negotiations.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The sudden drop in temperature augurs an early winter.
- His confident smile augured well for the interview's outcome.
- The treaty's ambiguous wording augured future disputes between the nations.
- Contemporary critics failed to see how the artist's early work augured a revolution in modern aesthetics.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an AUGUR as an ancient 'UR' (earliest) predictor. The 'gur' sounds like 'guru', a wise person who might predict the future.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FUTURE IS A LANDSCAPE READ THROUGH SIGNS. (One interprets signs/omens as a guide to navigating the unknown future.)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'организатор' (organiser). The Russian 'предсказывать' (to predict) is a general equivalent but lacks the 'sign/omen' nuance. 'Пророчить' is closer in register.
- The English word is a verb; the similar-looking Russian 'аграрий' (agrarian) is unrelated.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'It augurs for a good result.' Correct: 'It augurs a good result.' or 'It augurs well for a good result.'
- Misspelling as 'auguror' or 'augerer'.
- Using in place of more common words like 'predict' or 'suggest' in informal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate meaning of 'augur' in the sentence: 'The strange behaviour of the birds was seen to augur a natural disaster.'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, formal, and somewhat literary word. More common synonyms are 'predict', 'foreshadow', or 'portend'.
'Augur' specifically implies prediction based on signs, omens, or indirect indications, often with an archaic or mystical flavour. 'Predict' is neutral and can be based on any method, including data and analysis.
Yes, in the fixed phrase 'augur well' (to be a good sign for the future). 'Augur ill' is used for a bad sign.
In standard English, the verb is 'augur'. 'Augurer' is an accepted but less common alternative spelling for the noun meaning 'one who augurs'. For clarity, use 'augur' for the verb and 'augur' or 'soothsayer' for the person.