What does astrological mean?
'Astrological' is an adjective meaning relating to astrology — the ancient practice of interpreting events and personalities through the movements of the sun, moon, planets, and stars. It appears wherever horoscopes are discussed: an astrological chart maps the heavens at someone's birth, an astrological sign corresponds to one of the twelve zodiac divisions, and an astrological forecast makes claims about what the skies portend. The word is neutral in casual conversation but can carry a subtly non-scientific connotation, since modern science distinguishes astrology sharply from astronomy, its rigorous counterpart. The two words share Greek roots, and confusing them is common: 'astronomical' describes scientific study of celestial objects (and, figuratively, enormous sizes), while 'astrological' belongs firmly to the world of zodiacs, natal charts, and horoscope columns. Its enduring presence in newspapers, apps, and popular culture keeps it firmly in everyday vocabulary.
adjectiveRelating to astrology, the practice or study that claims to interpret human affairs and natural events by examining the positions and movements of celestial bodies.
- Relating to astrology or astrological practices, charts, signs, or predictions.
"She checked her astrological chart before deciding on a wedding date."
"The newspaper's astrological column promised a lucky month for Scorpios."
"Medieval kings often consulted court astrologers before major decisions, trusting their astrological readings."
The word 'astrological' descends from the same Greek root as 'astronomy' — for most of history, studying the stars meant doing both at once.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of astrological
Astrological derives ultimately from the Greek 'astron' (star) combined with 'logos' (study or account), via Latin 'astrologia' and then Middle French before entering English in its modern sense around the late sixteenth century. For centuries, 'astrologia' covered both the mathematical study of the stars and their supposed influence on human affairs; only gradually did English separate 'astronomy' as the science from 'astrology' as the divinatory art, with 'astrological' following that split. It shares its root with words such as astrology, astronomer, and astronaut.
Related word forms
How astrological is actually used
Neutral in everyday use (horoscopes, birth charts), though it can carry a faintly mystical or unscientific connotation in academic contexts. Distinct from 'astronomical', which belongs to science.
Easily confused with astrological
Astronomical relates to astronomy, the scientific study of celestial objects, whereas astrological relates to astrology, the belief system linking celestial positions to human affairs; 'astronomical' is also used figuratively for enormous quantities.