prophecy

noun

proph·​e·​cy ˈprä-fə-sē 

variants or less commonly prophesy

plural prophecies also prophesies

1

: an inspired utterance of a prophet

2

: the function or vocation of a prophet

specifically : the inspired declaration of divine will and purpose

3

: a prediction of something to come

Synonyms

• auguring
• augury
• bodement
• cast
• forecast
• forecasting
• foretelling
• predicting
• prediction
• presaging
• prognosis
• prognostic
• prognosticating
• prognostication
• soothsaying
• vaticination

Examples of prophecy in a Sentence

The prophecies of the author have all come true.

She has the gift of prophecy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Here, from the newsletter editor Hannah Jocelyn, is today’s fashion prophecy. —Ian Crouch, The New Yorker, 20 Sep. 2024

These cognitive distortions can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, further isolating the individual. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024

Meanwhile, three mortals (Aurora Perrineau, Misia Butler and Leila Farzad) set off on a journey to fulfill their identical prophecies. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2024

According to a prophecy, a daughter of Pandora would one day open the vault and restore order to the planet, which has been decimated by mining corporation wars. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English prophecie, prophesie, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin prophētīa, borrowed from Greek prophēteía "gift of interpreting the will of the gods, interpretation of a god's will," (New Testament) "gift of speaking, preaching and expounding scripture under the Holy Spirit's influence," from prophḗtēs prophet + -ia -ia entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

prophecy

noun

proph·​e·​cy ˈpräf-ə-sē 

plural prophecies

1

: the sayings of a prophet

2

: the foretelling of the future

the gift of prophecy

3

: something foretold : prediction