What does divination mean?
Divination is the practice of attempting to gain knowledge of the future or of hidden matters through supernatural or ritual means. Across history and cultures it has taken many forms: interpreting the flight of birds, examining the entrails of sacrificed animals, casting lots, reading stars, or consulting oracles and seers. The word functions as a noun and appears most often in discussions of religion, anthropology, folklore, and classical history, as well as in fantasy literature. Its tone is formal and largely neutral — scholars use it to describe practices respectfully, while sceptics may invoke it to signal superstition. A person who practises divination may be called a diviner. Though modern science does not recognise divination as a reliable source of knowledge, the word remains valuable for understanding how human societies have sought certainty in an uncertain world, making it a useful term for anyone interested in history, culture, or the enduring human desire to glimpse what lies ahead.
The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means.
"Tarot cards are one of the many tools used in divination."
Often preceded by terms naming a specific method, e.g. 'bird divination' or 'bone divination'.
A prediction or instance of insight obtained by such means; a prophetic utterance.
"Her divination proved accurate when the storm arrived exactly as she had foretold."
The plural is rare and usually refers to multiple individual predictions or acts of divination rather than the practice itself.
"The archive contained hundreds of divinations recorded by Babylonian priests."
Roman generals once refused to march into battle until birds had been observed in flight — the fate of empires hung on the ancient art of divination.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of divination
Divination derives from the Latin noun 'divinatio', meaning the faculty of foreseeing or the act of prediction, which itself comes from the verb 'divinare', 'to foresee or foretell', formed from 'divinus', meaning 'divine' or 'of a god'. The underlying idea is that genuine foresight belongs to the gods, so the diviner acts as their interpreter. The English word entered the language from Latin, likely via Old French, in the late medieval period. It shares this Latin root with words such as 'divine', 'divinity', and 'diviner'.
Related word forms
How divination is actually used
Divination is a relatively formal or learned word, most often encountered in historical, anthropological, religious, or fantasy contexts. It carries a neutral scholarly tone when describing cultural practices, though it can suggest scepticism about the validity of such practices depending on context. The related adjective is 'divinatory'.
Easily confused with divination
Divination is the practice of foretelling the unknown through supernatural means, whereas diversion is an activity that entertains or distracts.