astronomize
|as-tron-o-mize|
🇺🇸
/əˈstrɑːnəmaɪz/
🇬🇧
/əˈstrɒnəmaɪz/
study or make astronomical
Etymology
'astronomize' originates from Modern English, specifically formed from 'astronomy' + the suffix '-ize' (from Greek '-izein' via Latin), where 'astron' meant 'star' and 'nomos' meant 'law'.
'astronomize' was formed in English by attaching the productive verb-forming suffix '-ize' to 'astronomy' (from Greek 'astronomia'); this pattern of word-formation produced the modern verb 'astronomize'.
Initially, it meant 'to perform astronomy or to make something astronomical' in a literal sense; over time a rare figurative sense 'to exaggerate to astronomical proportions' also appeared.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to observe, study, or treat objects or phenomena as the subject of astronomy; to perform astronomical observation or investigation.
The team astronomized the comet’s trajectory throughout the winter.
Synonyms
Verb 2
to regard or describe something as extremely large or impressive by likening it to astronomical size; to make (a quantity) seem astronomical (rare/figurative use).
The report astronomized the projected costs, making them seem far larger than expected.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/08 15:36