Augurar

Augurar is a verb in Spanish and Portuguese with the core sense of foretelling or presaging. In both languages it is most often used in formal or literary contexts to indicate that future events are anticipated or foretold, or to suggest that a certain trend or outcome is likely.

Originating from Latin augurare, related to the interpreters of omens (augurs), the term preserves a link to omen interpretation. Over time it acquired a broader figurative use, extending from omen-based prediction to general forecasting of events or developments.

In Spanish, augurar is primarily used in formal or descriptive contexts. Examples include: “Los expertos auguran un crecimiento económico” (Experts forecast economic growth) and “Se augura un periodo de cambios” (A period of changes is anticipated). In everyday speech, Spanish more commonly uses pronosticar or prever for explicit predictions, while augurar remains frequent in media, editorials, and official statements offering a prognosis or outlook.

In Portuguese, augurar shares a similar formal tone and is commonly used to express expectations about future outcomes. Examples: “Os analistas auguram um crescimento estável” (Analysts forecast steady growth) and “A vitória augura um novo ciclo” (The victory heralds a new cycle). In daily language, prever or pronosticar are often preferred for direct predictions, whereas augurar can imply a favorable outlook or an official or ceremonial pronouncement, common in journalism and policy discussions.

Related terms include presagiar in Spanish and pressagiar in Portuguese, as well as prever, pronosticar, and prognosticar in their respective languages.