divination

noun

div·​i·​na·​tion ˌdi-və-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers

2

: unusual insight : intuitive perception

divinatory

də-ˈvi-nə-ˌtȯr-ē 

də-ˈvī-nə-

ˈdi-və-nə-

adjective

Synonyms

• augury

Examples of divination in a Sentence

the art of reading tea leaves and other forms of divination

if her powers of divination are so great, why doesn't she know what the stock market will do?

Recent Examples on the Web

Following her magnificent turn as a Sicilian divination witch in Agatha All Along, Patti LuPone is returning to the small screen for another flashy role. —Nick Romano, EW.com, 3 Jan. 2025

Here are five examples of divination techniques that different cultures have developed to cope with life’s uncertainties. —Michelle Aroney and David Zeitlyn, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025

Throughout the bulk of Agatha All Along, LuPone’s divination witch Lilia has been dismissed as, well, a bit batty. —Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024

Rounding out the coven are Lilia (Patti LuPone), a divination witch; Jennifer (Sasheer Zamata), a potions witch; Alice (Ali Ahn), a protection witch; and Sharon Davis (Debra Jo Rupp, reprising her WandaVision role) standing in for a green witch on account of her gardening skills. —Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English divinacioun, from Latin divination-, divinatio, from divinare — see divine entry 3

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

divination

noun

div·​i·​na·​tion ˌdiv-ə-ˈnā-shən 

: the art or practice of using omens or magic powers to foretell the future