cartomancy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “cartomancy” mean?
Fortune-telling or divination using a deck of cards.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Fortune-telling or divination using a deck of cards.
A specific form of divination that interprets symbolic meanings of specially designed cards (like tarot cards) or sometimes standard playing cards, to gain insight into the past, present, or future.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. The term is equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, technical term in both. Connotations depend entirely on the speaker's/viewer's attitude towards divination (skepticism, belief, cultural interest).
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general use. Most common in niche texts about the occult, fortune-telling, or cultural practices.
Grammar
How to Use “cartomancy” in a Sentence
[Subject] practised cartomancy.Cartomancy involves [verb+ing] the cards.She gave a reading using cartomancy.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cartomancy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She trained for years to be able to cartomance properly. (Note: 'cartomance' as a verb is non-standard/rare; 'practise cartomancy' is preferred.)
American English
- He claimed he could cartomance using a simple poker deck. (Note: non-standard)
adverb
British English
- She predicted the event cartomantically, to everyone's surprise.
American English
- The future was interpreted cartomantically rather than through astrology.
adjective
British English
- Her cartomantic skills were renowned in the local community.
American English
- He owned an extensive library of cartomantic literature.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in anthropological, historical, or religious studies texts discussing divination practices.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used by someone with a specific interest in the topic.
Technical
Standard term within literature on divination, the occult, and parapsychology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cartomancy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cartomancy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cartomancy”
- Misspelling as 'cartomany' or 'cartomance'.
- Using it as a verb (to cartomance is incorrect; one 'practises cartomancy').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Tarot reading is the most well-known form of cartomancy, but cartomancy is the broader term that can also include divination with standard playing cards.
No, it is a specialised, low-frequency term. Most people would say 'tarot reading' or 'fortune-telling with cards'.
It comes from the Greek 'manteia', meaning divination or prophecy. Other examples include necromancy (divination by the dead) and pyromancy (divination by fire).
While occasionally used informally (to cartomance), it is non-standard. The correct phrasing is 'to practise cartomancy' or 'to read cards'.
Fortune-telling or divination using a deck of cards.
Cartomancy is usually formal / technical in register.
Cartomancy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːtə(ʊ)ˌmansi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːrtoʊˌmænsi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated with the term itself.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CARTOon + MANCY (magic). Imagine a magical, fortune-telling cartoon character reading cards.
Conceptual Metaphor
CARDS ARE A MAP (to the future/truth).
Practice
Quiz
Cartomancy is most closely associated with which practice?