Hariolate

/ˈhɛriəleɪt/ verb

Definition

To practice divination or foretell the future; to act as a soothsayer or prophet.

Etymology

From Latin hariolari, meaning 'to divine or prophesy,' derived from hariolus meaning 'prophet' or 'soothsayer.' The word is rare in English and comes from ancient Roman religious terminology about predicting future events.

Kelly Says

This word is basically extinct in English, but it shows how Rome's obsession with predicting the future—through auguries, entrails-reading, and star-gazing—left us with specific technical vocabulary.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.