What does astrologic mean?
"Astrologic" is a rare adjective meaning relating to astrology — the ancient practice of interpreting human affairs and predicting events from the positions and movements of celestial bodies. It describes things such as charts, forecasts, treatises, or traditions associated with astrological practice. The word derives from Greek roots: "astron," meaning star, and the suffix associated with "logos," meaning word or study, reflecting astrology's historical standing as a learned discipline. In earlier centuries, when astrology and astronomy were intertwined as fields of study, forms like "astrologic" appeared naturally in scholarly writing; after the two pursuits diverged, "astrological" became the standard English adjective, leaving "astrologic" largely confined to older texts, historical discussions, and occasional stylistic revival. Today it evokes antiquity and esoteric learning more than everyday horoscopes. Writers encountering the term should recognize it as a legitimate but uncommon variant whose modern synonym is "astrological."
adjectiveRelating to or connected with astrology, the study that claims to interpret human affairs and events from the positions of celestial bodies.
- Relating to astrology, especially its traditional practices of casting charts and making predictions from the positions of stars and planets.
"The medieval manuscript was filled with astrologic charts used to forecast royal fortunes."
"Her library contained a shelf of astrologic treatises from the Renaissance."
"The king consulted an astrologic forecast before choosing a coronation date."
Before the 17th century, "astrologic" and "astronomic" were near-synonyms in English — the split between science and stargazing prophecy hadn't fully happened yet.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of astrologic
"Astrologic" comes ultimately from Greek: "astron" (star) combined with elements related to "logos" (word, study, account), via Latin and Old French transmission into Middle English and early Modern English. Its sibling words include "astrology," "astronomy," and cognates built on the same star-root such as "asterisk" and "disaster" (literally "bad star"). The adjective flourished in learned English writing from roughly the 16th century onward, but was gradually displaced by "astrological," which remains the standard form today.
Related word forms
How astrologic is actually used
"Astrologic" is a rare, somewhat archaic variant; modern writers almost always use "astrological." It carries connotations of antiquity and esoteric tradition rather than contemporary astrology columns.
Easily confused with astrologic
"Astronomical" relates to astronomy, the scientific study of celestial objects, whereas "astrologic" relates to astrology, the non-scientific practice of divination based on star positions.
"Astrological" is the standard, far more common adjective for anything relating to astrology, while "astrologic" is a rare older variant meaning the same thing.