noun

geomancy

JEE-oh-man-see

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Geomancy (noun) means a method of divination based on the earth or ground, such as reading markings on the ground or the pattern made by a tossed handful of soil. Example: “The traveler consulted a local geomancy practitioner before setting off.”

noun

A method of divination based on the earth or ground, such as reading markings on the ground or the pattern made by a tossed handful of soil.

"The traveler consulted a local geomancy practitioner before setting off."

"Some forms of geomancy involve interpreting the patterns left when soil is thrown down."

"Feng shui is sometimes described as a Chinese form of geomancy."

Examples of geomancy in a sentence →

How to use geomancy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGeomancy is a traditional way of telling the future by reading signs in the earth or ground.

When to use it

It is a formal, somewhat specialist word, used mainly when discussing divination or the occult.

Memory tip

Note the ending -mancy, shared with other divination words such as chiromancy and pyromancy.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

practice geomancy Chinese geomancy form of geomancy geomancy practitioner

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Can you complete this real example?

The traveler consulted a local _____ practitioner before setting off.

Etymology

Geomancy comes from Middle English geomancie, which came from Medieval Latin geomantia, itself from late Ancient Greek geōmanteía. It combines geo-, meaning earth, with the ending -mancy, meaning divination.

Origin: Medieval Latin

Rhymes for geomancy

nancy fancy Yancy clancy truancy vacancy infancy buoyancy vagrancy constancy pregnancy occupancy

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Frequently asked questions

What is geomancy?

It is a form of divination that uses the earth or ground, for example by reading markings on the ground or the pattern made when a handful of soil is thrown.

Is feng shui a type of geomancy?

Feng shui is sometimes referred to as a Chinese form of geomancy, since it also involves reading the arrangement of the earth and surroundings.

Where does the word geomancy come from?

It traces back through Medieval Latin and Middle English to an Ancient Greek term combining earth with divination.

What is the meaning of geomancy?

"geomancy" (noun) means a method of divination based on the earth or ground, such as reading markings on the ground or the pattern made by a tossed handful of soil.