augurous
|aug-ur-ous|
🇺🇸
/ˈɔːɡərəs/
🇬🇧
/ˈɔːɡjʊrəs/
portend/foretell
Etymology
'augurous' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'augur', where 'augur' meant 'a diviner' or 'one who interprets omens'.
'augurous' changed from the Latin noun 'augur' into adjectival uses in Late Latin and Middle English (via forms such as 'augerous'/'augurous'), eventually appearing in modern English as 'augurous'.
Initially it referred specifically to matters of an 'augur' or divination; over time it broadened to mean 'portending' or 'prophetic' (and in some contexts 'auspicious').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
of or relating to an augur; prophetic or portending events (may be neutral or ominous).
The sudden silence outside was augurous, suggesting that something significant was about to happen.
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Adjective 2
auspicious; indicating a favorable or fortunate outcome (rare usage).
The elders considered the alignment of the stars an augurous sign for the harvest.
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Last updated: 2025/11/19 04:18