sortilege: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowLiterary, formal, archaic
Quick answer
What does “sortilege” mean?
The practice or art of divination or prophecy using lots or casting of lots.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice or art of divination or prophecy using lots or casting of lots; magic or witchcraft.
Sorcery, enchantment, or any magical influence; sometimes used metaphorically to describe a mysterious, compelling, or deceptive charm.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes a sense of old-world mysticism or dark arts, slightly more associated with historical European contexts.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both dialects; slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical or literary works, but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “sortilege” in a Sentence
[Subject] practiced sortilege.The [noun] was a form of sortilege.They were accused of sortilege.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used rarely in historical, anthropological, or literary studies discussing pre-modern belief systems.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Not used in technical fields outside specific historical or folkloric analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sortilege”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sortilege”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sortilege”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to sortilege'). It is solely a noun.
- Using it in modern, informal contexts where 'magic trick' or 'prediction' would be appropriate.
- Misspelling as 'sortilage' or 'sortilidge'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and mostly found in literary, historical, or specialized contexts.
No, it is exclusively a noun. There is no standard verb form 'to sortilege'.
'Sortilege' is a specific, archaic term for divination using lots (like stones or sticks). 'Magic' is a much broader, general term for supernatural arts.
It is historically neutral but often carries a negative or suspicious connotation, as it was frequently associated with forbidden or diabolical practices.
The practice or art of divination or prophecy using lots or casting of lots.
Sortilege is usually literary, formal, archaic in register.
Sortilege: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɔː.tɪ.lɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɔːr.t̬ə.lɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common usage.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SORT' (as in sorting lots or cards) + 'ILEGE' (sounds like 'ill' + 'edge'). Imagine sorting mysterious, ill-edged cards for fortune-telling.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS MAGIC / THE FUTURE IS A HIDDEN OBJECT TO BE DIVINED
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sortilege' LEAST likely to be appropriately used?