divination

[ div-uh-ney-shuhn ]

noun

1. the practice of attempting to foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge by occult or supernatural means.
2. augury; prophecy:

   The divination of the high priest was fulfilled.

3. perception by intuition; instinctive foresight.

divination

/ dɪˈvɪnətərɪ; ˌdɪvɪˈneɪʃən; -trɪ /

noun

1. the art, practice, or gift of discerning or discovering future events or unknown things, as though by supernatural powers
2. a prophecy
3. a presentiment or guess

Derived Forms

• divinatory, adjective

Other Words From

• di·vin·a·to·ry [dih-, vin, -, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of divination¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English divinacioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin dīvīnātiōn-, stem of dīvīnātiō, equivalent to dīvīnāt(us) “soothsaid” (past participle of dīvīnāre “to soothsay”; divine ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

The authors couple it with a new approach that, in essence, is a form of trained divination.

From Quanta Magazine

As I look into the bottom of my glass, darkly, I realize my powers of divination are limited.

From Washington Post

I particularly like how such a complex reading mirrors the divination referenced in the work.

From The Daily Beast

For there shall be no more any vain visions, nor doubtful divination in the midst of the children of Israel.

From Project Gutenberg

I have mentioned them in speaking of Calchas, and of the contest between Calchas and Mopsus respecting their skill in divination.

From Project Gutenberg

According to the fable, the contest did not relate to skill in divination only, but also to sovereignty.

From Project Gutenberg

In Peru, for example, they were divided into classes, who made the various means of divination specialties.

From Project Gutenberg

Oneiromancy, divination by dreams, is still credited by old women of both sexes.

From Project Gutenberg