What does augur mean?
An augur, in its historical sense, was a religious official in ancient Rome whose task was to interpret omens — particularly the behavior and flight of birds — in order to determine whether the gods favored a proposed undertaking such as a war, an election, or a new law. From this role comes the modern verb "to augur," meaning to be a sign or omen of what will happen. Today the verb survives mainly in the fixed phrases "augur well" and "augur ill": if something augurs well, it suggests a favorable outcome; if it augurs ill, trouble may lie ahead. The word carries a formal, literary register and appears mostly in journalism, political commentary, and elevated prose rather than casual conversation. Its Latin root also gave English "inaugurate" and "auspicious," both of which preserve the ancient idea of beginning an enterprise under favorable signs.
A religious official in ancient Rome responsible for interpreting omens, especially from the observation of birds, to advise on public and private undertakings.
"Before the senate voted, the augur examined the sky for signs of divine approval."
Chiefly used in historical or classical contexts.
To serve as an omen or indication of a future outcome; to foretell, especially with reference to good or ill fortune.
"Rising inflation does not augur well for consumer confidence."
The standard plural follows regular English formation. It refers either to multiple Roman diviners or, figuratively, to people regarded as prophets or predictors.
"The augurs of old were consulted before every major state decision."
In ancient Rome, no war was declared and no law passed until the augurs had read the birds — the word 'inaugurate' literally means to 'take the omens.'
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of augur
The word "augur" derives directly from the Latin "augur," meaning a diviner or interpreter of omens, a title held by priests in ancient Rome. Its further origin is uncertain: one traditional view links it to "avis" (bird) plus "garrire" (to talk), reflecting the practice of bird divination, though this etymology is not firmly established. In English it has been used since at least the sixteenth century, first as a noun for the Roman official and soon after as a verb meaning to predict. It shares its root family with "inaugurate" (from "inaugurare," to consecrate by taking omens) and "auspice" (from "avis" plus "specere," to observe), all preserving the theme of reading signs before acting.
Related word forms
How augur is actually used
"Augur" is largely formal and literary. The verb is almost always followed by "well" or "ill" — other constructions sound awkward to most readers. The noun referring to the Roman official is chiefly of historical interest, while the verb remains in active use.
Easily confused with augur
An auger is a tool with a helical bit used for boring holes in wood or soil, while an augur is a Roman religious official or, as a verb, a sign of what is to come.