Augural: meaning, definitions and examples
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augural
[ ɔːˈɡjʊərəl ]
ceremonial occasion
The term 'augural' relates to the rites or ceremonies of augurs, who were priests in ancient Rome serving as diviners. It refers to events or actions that have prophetic significance or serve as an omen, often tied to public ceremonies or rituals.
Synonyms
divinatory, omen-related, prophetic.
Examples of usage
- The augural ceremony was filled with rituals to ensure a successful harvest.
- He delivered an augural speech before the dedication of the new temple.
- The augural signs were interpreted by the priest before the ceremony.
- During the augural rites, animals were sacrificed to seek divine favor.
Etymology
The word 'augural' is derived from the Latin term 'augur', which refers to a religious official in ancient Rome who interpreted the will of the gods by studying the flight of birds. The augurs played a crucial role in Roman society, conducting various ceremonies and rituals to gain insight into the future. They would observe the auspices, or signs, associated with particular events to determine whether the gods were favorably disposed. The practice of augury was deeply embedded in Roman religion and culture; thus, the adjective 'augural' emerged to signify anything pertaining to these prophetic and ceremonial practices. Over time, the term also came to encompass elements of foreseeing and symbolic meanings connected with rituals, extending beyond just the religious context to a broader application in literature and common parlance.