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

Contributor Astrology and numerology are two ancient divination arts that have been practiced for centuries throughout human civilization. —Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2023

Seeking refuge in the hazy realm of spiritual concoction is as old as uncertainty itself, and this show’s 10 artists look for solace with such mystic tools as healing earth, witches’ brooms, divination, and, yes, AI, to name a few. —Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Sep. 2023

Tarot reading is the centuries-old practice of using a 78-card deck as a tool of divination—that is, the art or practice of discovering hidden knowledge or unusual insight through divine messages. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 19 July 2022

Both arts of divination can explain the strengths, weaknesses, and destinies of individuals. —Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2023

There are workshops on beekeeping, welding, wound care, tax avoidance, homeschooling, natural birth, growing mushrooms, divination, and gun etiquette. —Annalisa Quinn, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Aug. 2023

At other hubs, there are workshops on beekeeping, welding, wound care, tax avoidance, homeschooling, natural birth, growing mushrooms, divination, and gun etiquette. —Annalisa Quinn, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Aug. 2023

Historians don’t know the exact origins of the zodiac signs or the practice of astrology (divination based on the movement of the stars). —Christopher Parker, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2023

Like me, Dore uses tarot not as a form of fortunetelling or divination but as a way to better understand ourselves and live in alignment with our values. —Laura Newberry, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2023

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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