Augur

Part of speech: verb, noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɔː.ɡə/

Definitions

1. To foresee or forecast future occurrences based on interpretation ; to indicate or suggest something will happen as a sign or omen
2. To foretell events by interpreting signs or symbols ; to act as a portent or warning of what is to come
3. To make predictions about what will happen later ; to serve as an indication or presage of upcoming events

Etymology: The Roman augurs were a priestly college whose job was to read the will of the gods, and their methods were strikingly specific: they watched the flight and calls of birds, and the way sacred chickens fed, to decide whether a planned action should go ahead. A magistrate who received an unfavourable sign could halt an assembly or a war entirely, which made the augur's verdict a matter of real political power. The Latin word "augur" is of uncertain origin, though it is related to the verb "augurare," meaning to interpret omens. English borrowed the word from Latin, and it has kept that sense of reading signs. Over time the meaning shifted from the act of the priest to the sign itself, so that something that gives warning of what is coming can be said to augur it, as in "the dark clouds augur rain."

Synonyms: predict, foretell, prophesy, forecast, augury

Antonyms: ignore, disregard, doubt, neglect, overlook