The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

prophesy

IPA:

Dictionary definition of prophesy

To predict or foretell future events, often through divine inspiration or supernatural means.
"The ancient text was believed to prophesy the coming of a great leader."

Detailed meaning of prophesy

It is often associated with religious or spiritual practices, in which prophets or seers receive visions or messages from a higher power about what is to come. Prophesying can involve speaking or writing about future events, as well as interpreting signs and omens that are believed to foreshadow future events. In some cultures, prophesying is also associated with political or social commentary, with prophets speaking out against injustice or corruption and calling for change. While the accuracy of prophesying is often debated, it remains an important part of many spiritual and cultural traditions around the world.

Example sentences containing prophesy

1. The ancient oracle would prophesy future fates to those who sought its wisdom.
2. She claimed to prophesy the weather accurately, but her predictions were often wrong.
3. The seer's ability to prophesy upcoming disasters intrigued the entire village.
4. Some believe Nostradamus could prophesy major world events in his cryptic writings.
5. The old book seemed to prophesy a great war that would reshape the world.
6. The shaman used a sacred ritual to prophesy the tribe's future prosperity.

History and etymology of prophesy

The verb 'prophesy' has its etymological roots in the Greek word 'prophēteuō,' which is derived from 'prophētēs,' meaning 'prophet' or 'seer.' In ancient Greece, a 'prophet' was an individual believed to have a special connection to the divine or supernatural realm, capable of foretelling future events or providing insights into hidden truths. The verb 'prophēteuō' signified the act of speaking on behalf of the divine, often to predict or foretell future events. This Greek concept was later adopted into Latin as 'prophētare' and eventually made its way into Old French and Middle English as 'prophesy,' retaining its core meaning of predicting or foretelling future events, often through divine inspiration or supernatural means. The etymology of 'prophesy' underscores its historical association with the prophetic tradition and the belief in receiving insights about the future from higher powers or divine sources.

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Further usage examples of prophesy

1. The mystic's crystal ball was said to help her prophesy future love interests.
2. As the storm clouds gathered, the sailor couldn't help but prophesy trouble ahead.
3. The wise elder was known to prophesy the birth of future leaders in their tribe.
4. The prophet's words continued to prophesy the rise and fall of kingdoms.
5. Ancient texts foretell a time when humans will prophesy with the precision of gods.
6. I can't prophesy what will happen tomorrow.
7. The fortune teller claimed to prophesy people's destinies.
8. The ancient scrolls contained prophecies that were said to prophesy the rise and fall of civilizations.
9. The oracle's words were considered prophetic and believed to prophesy future events.
10. The prophet was known for his ability to accurately prophesy natural disasters.
11. The ancient mystic could prophesy the outcome of battles.
12. She would often prophesy the weather by observing the movement of the clouds.
13. The seer claimed to prophesy the future by reading the stars.
14. The prophetic dreams would often accurately prophesy significant events.
15. He would often prophesy the rise and fall of empires with astonishing accuracy.
16. The prophet's words would prophesy peace and unity among nations.
17. The priestess was revered for her ability to prophesy divine messages.
18. The ancient civilization believed that the movements of birds could prophesy good or bad fortune.
19. The villagers sought the advice of the wise woman to prophesy the success of their endeavors.
20. The mystical artifact was said to prophesy the fate of whoever possessed it.
21. The prophet would prophesy hope and salvation in times of despair.
22. The fortune teller would use tarot cards to prophesy people's futures.
23. The mystic would prophesy the healing of ailments through ancient rituals.
24. The sacred texts would prophesy the coming of a golden age of enlightenment.