oracle

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.

“Oracle” is pronounced AW-ruh-kuhl (/ˈɔɹəkəl/ in IPA).

Here is “oracle” used in a sentence: “The ancient Greeks traveled to Delphi to consult the oracle.”

Words with a similar meaning to “oracle” include ariolater, Chaldean, clairvoyant, divinator, diviner and duckerer.

“Oracle” is a noun.

The word “oracle” comes from Latin. From Old French oracle, from Latin oraculum, related to orare, "to speak, pray.".

“Oracle” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“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.

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.

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.

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.