Definition

1. Noun:
   • Divination by means of numbers: A form of divination or fortune-telling that interprets numerical values, often derived from names or words, to predict the future or reveal hidden information.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ancient practice of arithmancy was used to determine the most auspicious date for the coronation.
  • She studied arithmancy, believing that her destiny was encoded within the numbers of her birth name.

Advanced Usage

• As a specialized field: Arithmancy is often discussed in historical or esoteric contexts as a precursor to more modern numerological systems.
  • The scholar's thesis focused on the transition from classical arithmancy to contemporary numerology.

Variants and Related Words

• Arithmancer (n): A practitioner of arithmancy.
  • The arithmancer calculated the numerical values of the candidates' names to advise the king.

Synonyms

• Numerology: The study of the occult significance of numbers. (Note: While closely related, numerology is a broader, more modern term, whereas arithmancy often refers specifically to ancient or historical practices.)

Notes on Meaning

• Arithmancy is a very specific, historical term. It is not commonly used in everyday modern English but appears in academic texts about divination, history of magic, or certain fantasy literature. It should not be confused with general mathematics or arithmetic.

Noun

1. divination by means of numbers