oracle
0 antonyms and opposites of oracle, grouped by meaning.
Noun — In ancient religion, a shrine or priest through whom a god was believed to answer questions or give prophecy — or the prophecy itself.
How to use oracle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French oracle, from Latin oraculum, related to orare, "to speak, pray."
Full origin of oracle →Frequently asked questions
What does “oracle” mean?
The word “oracle” means in ancient religion, a shrine or priest through whom a god was believed to answer questions or give prophecy — or the prophecy itself. In plain terms, originally a divine source of prophecy; today, also used for a person or source seen as wise and reliable.
How do you pronounce “oracle”?
“Oracle” is pronounced AW-ruh-kuhl (/ˈɔɹəkəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “oracle” in a sentence?
Here is “oracle” used in a sentence: “The ancient Greeks traveled to Delphi to consult the oracle.”
What is another word for “oracle”?
Words with a similar meaning to “oracle” include ariolater, Chaldean, clairvoyant, divinator, diviner and duckerer.
What part of speech is “oracle”?
“Oracle” is a noun.
Where does the word “oracle” come from?
The word “oracle” comes from Latin. From Old French oracle, from Latin oraculum, related to orare, "to speak, pray.".
Is “oracle” a common word?
“Oracle” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “oracle” have?
“Oracle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in ancient religion, a shrine or priest through whom a god was believed to answer questions or give prophecy — or the prophecy itself.
What is the difference between an oracle and a prophet?
An oracle, in ancient religion, was a shrine or priest through whom a god was believed to answer questions or give prophecy, or the prophecy itself; it is closely tied to a fixed sacred place, such as the Oracle of Delphi. A prophet is a person who delivers divine messages or predictions but is not necessarily attached to a specific shrine or site.
Can oracle be used to describe a person today?
Yes, oracle is commonly used today to describe a person regarded as an especially wise or authoritative source of guidance, even without any religious context, as in "she is considered an oracle on market trends." This modern sense extends from the ancient meaning of a divine source of answers.
What is the difference between an oracle and a seer?
An oracle traditionally refers to a shrine, priest, or the prophecy delivered through them, tied to a specific sacred site, while a seer is an individual believed to have personal powers of foresight, without needing any shrine or institution. A seer's insight is personal, whereas an oracle's authority often comes from the deity or institution behind it.