Definition

1. Noun:

   • (Ancient Rome) A religious official who interpreted omens to guide public policy: In ancient Rome, an augur was a priest who observed and interpreted signs from the gods (omens) to advise on state matters.

2. Verb:

   • To predict or foretell (a future event), especially from omens: To predict what is going to happen in the future, often based on signs or portents.
   • To be a sign or warning of (a future event): To indicate or serve as a sign of something that will happen.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The Roman consul consulted the augur before declaring war.
  • The flight of birds was carefully studied by the augur.

• Verb (to predict):

  • The dark clouds augur a severe storm.
  • The early economic data augur a period of growth.

• Verb (to be a sign):

  • His silence does not augur well for our proposal.
  • This sudden cooperation augurs a positive change in their relationship.

Advanced Usage

• "to augur well/ill for (someone or something)": To be a good/bad sign for the future of someone or something.
  • The strong sales figures augur well for the company's future.
  • The team's lack of preparation augurs ill for the upcoming match.

Variants and Related Words

• Augury (n): The practice of interpreting omens; a sign or omen.
  • They took the strange event as an augury of change.
• Auspice (n): A divine or prophetic sign; patronage or guidance (often used in plural, "under the auspices of").
  • The project began under favorable auspices.

Synonyms

• Verb (predict): Portend, presage, foretell, prophesy, predict, foreshadow.
• Verb (be a sign): Bode, indicate, signal, herald, betoken.

Related Phrases

• "Bode well/ill": Has a very similar meaning and usage to "augur well/ill."
  • The calm negotiations bode well for a peaceful resolution.

Related Idioms

• "Auspicious beginning": A start that seems to predict future success. This idiom is related to the concept of interpreting signs (auspices).
  • The sunny weather on their wedding day was an auspicious beginning.

Noun

1. (ancient Rome) a religious official who interpreted omens to guide public policy

Verb

1. predict from an omen
2. indicate by signs
   • These signs bode bad news