What does astrologically mean?
"Astrologically" is an adverb meaning in accordance with, or in relation to, the principles of astrology — the traditional practice of interpreting the positions and movements of celestial bodies as having bearing on human affairs. It is typically used to describe how something is chosen, timed, assessed, or explained by astrological standards: a date may be selected astrologically, a personality read astrologically, or an event deemed astrologically significant. The word derives from "astrology," which traces back through Latin to Greek roots meaning "star" (astron) and "study or account" (-logia). Notably, for much of history astrology and astronomy were not distinct disciplines, so the word's modern separation from scientific usage is relatively recent. Today it appears most often in contexts involving horoscopes, natal charts, electional timing, or historical accounts of pre-scientific star lore, and it carries connotations ranging from earnest practice to sceptical commentary.
adverbIn a manner relating to astrology; with reference to the supposed influence of celestial bodies on human affairs and natural events.
- With reference to astrology or its methods: in terms of the positions and movements of planets, stars, and zodiac signs.
"The couple chose their wedding date astrologically, waiting for Venus to enter their seventh house."
"Astrologically speaking, Mercury retrograde is said to disrupt communication and travel."
"The harvest was timed astrologically, with planting left to the phases of the moon."
The word 'astrology' once meant the same as 'astronomy' — for most of history, no one distinguished between reading the stars scientifically and reading them for fortune.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of astrologically
"Astrologically" is formed from "astrological," the adjective derivative of "astrology," plus the adverbial suffix "-ly." Astrology itself comes from Latin astrologia, borrowed from Greek astrologia, from astron ("star") and -logia ("account, study"). In ancient and medieval usage, astrologia could denote what we now call astronomy, and only gradually did English settle on the modern division between astrology (interpretive) and astronomy (scientific), making "astrologically" a distinctly post-separation term in its current sense.
Related word forms
How astrologically is actually used
Neutral in register but carries an implicit framing: describing something as done or judged 'astrologically' signals reliance on astrological tradition rather than scientific method. Common in discussions of horoscopes, birth charts, and historical practices where astrology and medicine or agriculture were intertwined.
Easily confused with astrologically
'Astrologically' relates to astrology, the belief system linking celestial positions to human affairs, while 'astronomically' relates to astronomy, the scientific study of objects in space (and figuratively means 'enormously').