Divination
noun /ˌdɪvɪˈneɪʃən/ — The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the hidden by supernatural means.
Definition
The practice of attempting to discern hidden knowledge — future events, distant truths, the will of the divine — through signs, symbols, and ritual. From reading stars to reading cards, from augury to astrology, one of humanity's oldest practices.
Beyond the definition
Every culture has practised divination. It is not simply superstition — it is the deep human need to face uncertainty with some tool, however imperfect. The oracle, the tarot, the dream: all attempts to make the unknowable speak.
Origin & history
Latin 'divinatio' — from 'divinare' (to foresee, to be inspired by a god), from 'divinus' (divine). To divine is to access the divine perspective — to see what gods see.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
Ancient Rome ran on divination — augury, haruspicy, oracle consultation — all official state practice.
She used tarot less for divination than for structured reflection.
Divination is the poetry of uncertainty: a way of making the unknown tell a story.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Divination” when the meaning fits your context: The practice of attempting to discern hidden knowledge — future events, distant truths, the will of the divine — through signs, symbols, and ritual. From reading stars to reading cards, from augury to astrology, one of humanity's oldest practices.
Synonyms
Antonyms
empirical observation, rational analysis
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Divination" mean?
Divination is noun meaning: The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the hidden by supernatural means.. The practice of attempting to discern hidden knowledge — future events, distant truths, the will of the divine — through signs, symbols, and ritual. From reading stars to reading cards, from augury to astrology, one of humanity's oldest practices.
Where does the word "Divination" come from?
Latin 'divinatio' — from 'divinare' (to foresee, to be inspired by a god), from 'divinus' (divine). To divine is to access the divine perspective — to see what gods see.