What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prognostication
Example
The weatherman's prognostication was that it would rain all day. [prognostication: noun]
Example
She was known for her accurate prognostications about the stock market. [prognostications: plural noun]
augury
Example
The sighting of a black cat was seen as an augury of bad luck. [augury: noun]
Example
The ancient Greeks used augury to predict the outcome of battles. [augury: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prognostication is more commonly used than augury in everyday language, especially in professional or academic contexts. Augury is less common and is typically associated with spiritual or religious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prognostication and augury?
Prognostication is more formal than augury, which has a more archaic or poetic tone. Prognostication is used in various formality levels, while augury is more limited in its usage.
