Augur
hardNeutral toneAW-gur
verb
Definition
To foretell or predict, especially from signs or omens; a prophet or soothsayer
Memory hook
AU-GUR: a guru who predicts the future — to augur means to foretell or be a sign of.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The election results augur well for the party's future.”
“Dark clouds augured an approaching storm.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The election results ______ well for the party's future.”
Show answer
augur
Categories
GRE Tip
Augur is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "portend" or "presage" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "conceal".
Related GRE Words
portend
To be a sign or warning that something is likely to happen
presage
To be a sign or warning of; an omen or portent
prognosticate
To foretell or prophesy future events
foretoken
A sign of something to come; an omen
omen
An event regarded as a sign of future good or evil
portent
A sign or warning that something, especially something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen
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