The word "Sortilegious" is not commonly used in everyday language, but it refers to someone who practices sorcery or witchcraft. Its pronunciation can be written using the IPA phonetic transcription system as "sɔː.tə.ˈlɛ.dʒəs". The first syllable is pronounced like "saw," the second is a schwa sound as in "the," the third is pronounced like "leh," and the final syllable is pronounced like "jus." The blend of Latin roots "sortilegus" and "religio" create the word "Sortilegious."
Sortilegious is an adjective that describes someone or something that is involved in or associated with the practice of sortilege. Sortilege refers to the act of seeking knowledge or predicting the future through the casting of lots or the use of random methods, such as drawing straws or tossing dice. The term can also encompass practices like divination, fortune-telling, or any other form of mystical or supernatural method used for acquiring information about the future or hidden truths.
When used to describe a person, sortilegious implies that they engage in or believe in these mystical or supernatural practices, often with the intention of gaining insight into the unknown or manipulating fate. It suggests that the individual attributes significance to seemingly random or chance events, using them as a means of seeking answers or guidance.
Sortilegious can also be used to describe an object or an event that is associated with sortilege. For instance, it may refer to an object used during divination rituals, such as tarot cards or a crystal ball, or a ceremony that relies on random chance as a method of obtaining answers, like the casting of bones or the reading of tea leaves.
Overall, sortilegious encapsulates the belief or involvement in methods of divination, fortune-telling, and other mystical practices aimed at uncovering hidden truths or predicting the future.
Pert. to sortilege.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "sortilegious" is derived from a combination of two Latin words: "sortis" meaning "lot, divination" and "religiosus" meaning "religious, regarded with reverence".