auspex

[ aw-speks ]

noun

, plural aus·pi·ces [aw, -sp, uh, -seez].

1. an augur of ancient Rome.

auspex

/ ˈɔːspɛks /

noun

1. Roman history another word for augur

Word History and Origins

Origin of auspex¹

1590–1600; < Latin: one who observes birds, soothsayer, diviner, equivalent to au-, base of avis bird + -spex watcher ( spec-, stem of specere to look at) + -s nominative singular suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of auspex¹

C16: from Latin: observer of birds, from avis bird + specere to look

Example Sentences

Is Teucer called auspex, as taking the auspices, like an augur, or as giving the auspices, like a god?

From Project Gutenberg

More About Auspex

What does auspex mean?

An auspex was an Ancient Roman official who acted as soothsayer or priest and was responsible for interpreting omens to guide decisions.

The plural of auspex is auspices.

The Ancient Roman auspices were highly respected religious officials. They were consulted by lawmakers and other leaders prior to major events such as wars and the founding of colonies.

The word augur can mean the same thing, and it is also used as a general term for any prophet, oracle, or soothsayer.

Example: The emperor was known for never taking action before consulting the auspices.

Where does auspex come from?

The first records of the word auspex come from the 1590s. It comes from the Latin auspex, meaning “bird watcher” or “soothsayer,” from avis, “bird,” and specere, “to look.”

The Roman auspices formed many of their predictions by interpreting the flight patterns of birds. The related word auspice means “a favorable sign” or “a divination or prognostication, such as from observing birds.” This is where we get the adjective auspicious, meaning “favorable” or “fortunate.”

The related word haruspex refers to an Ancient Roman soothsayer, especially one who interpreted the entrails of animals.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to auspex?

• auspices (plural)

What are some synonyms for auspex?

• augur

What are some words that share a root or word element with auspex? 

• auspice
• auspicious
• haruspex

What are some words that often get used in discussing auspex?

• augury
• soothsayer
• diviner 
• seer
• prognosticator
• oracle
• omen
• sign
• future

How is auspex used in real life?

Auspex is not commonly used outside of the context of Ancient Roman history.

Future generations are going to look at our polling of an uninformed & apathetic populace the way we look at the ancient Roman auspices.

— James VanLaningham (@jdvanlaningham) January 28, 2014

Just saw hawk land in my yard, plucking the hell out of a dead crow. Surely an omen of something. I need a haruspex. Or better, an auspex.

— Maria Dahvana Headley (@MARIADAHVANA) April 13, 2012

I've figured it out. Bird seed guy is an auspex. He's figuring out the city's portents for the day every time he gathers the sparrows.

— Si Shanty (@mersipan) February 22, 2018

 

Try using auspex!

Is auspex used correctly in the following sentence? 

The senators consulted the auspex before the vote.