What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
soothsaying
Example
The old woman was known for her soothsaying abilities and would often predict the weather with great accuracy. [soothsaying: noun]
Example
He claimed to have inherited his grandmother's gift of soothsaying and could see visions of the future. [soothsaying: gerund or present participle]
augury
Example
The ancient Romans believed in the power of augury and would consult with priests to interpret bird flights and other natural signs. [augury: noun]
Example
She had a talent for augury and could read the patterns of smoke rising from a fire to make predictions. [augury: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Soothsaying and augury are not commonly used in everyday language and are more likely to be found in historical or cultural contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between soothsaying and augury?
Both soothsaying and augury are associated with mystical or supernatural practices, making them more appropriate for informal or creative writing rather than formal or academic contexts.
