astrology
UK[əˈstrɒlədʒi]US[əˈstrɑːlədʒi]
n
The study of the positions and movements of stars and planets and how some people believe they influence human affairs and events on Earth.
Morpheme Breakdown
astro
logy
astro
star
logy
study of
Etymology
The word 'astrology' is a compound formed from two Greek elements. The first, 'astro-', originates from the Greek noun 'astron,' meaning "star." The second, '-logy,' derives from the Greek suffix '-logia,' which denotes a branch of knowledge or discourse. Literally, the term translates to "the study of the stars." Historically, this study was intertwined with astronomy, focusing on the belief that the positions and movements of celestial bodies held influence over earthly events and human destinies. Over centuries, as the scientific method took hold, astronomy and astrology diverged, with the latter retaining its association with divinatory and characterological interpretations.
Analysis
Structure: astro (star) + logy (study of)
- astro: From Greek 'astron' (star). A combining form meaning "star," "celestial body," or related to outer space.
- logy: From Greek '-logia' (denoting a subject of study or discourse). A suffix meaning "the study or science of."
Examples
She reads her horoscope daily, though she doesn't take astrology very seriously.
In medieval times, astrology was considered a scholarly tradition closely linked to astronomy and medicine.
He is skeptical of astrology, arguing that there is no scientific evidence to support its claims.