noun
Uncommon
prophecy
PRO-fih-see
Prophecy (noun) means a statement about the future, especially one claimed to come from divine or supernatural insight. Example: “The ancient prophecy foretold the fall of the kingdom.”
noun
1
A statement about the future, especially one claimed to come from divine or supernatural insight.
"The ancient prophecy foretold the fall of the kingdom."
"Many believers saw the event as the fulfillment of prophecy."
"Nobody believed the old woman's prophecy about the coming flood until the rains arrived."
How to use prophecy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA prediction, especially one with a religious or mystical source.
Common mistake
"Prophecy" (noun, rhymes with "-see") is the prediction itself; "prophesy" (verb, rhymes with "-sigh") is the act of making one.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
fulfill a prophecy
ancient prophecy
self-fulfilling prophecy
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Word forms
- Plural
- prophecies
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The ancient _____ foretold the fall of the kingdom.
Etymology
From Old French prophetie, from Latin prophetia, from Greek prophēteia, ultimately from pro- ("before") + phēmi ("to speak") — literally "speaking beforehand."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for prophecy
See all rhymes for prophecy →Frequently asked questions
What does “prophecy” mean?
The word “prophecy” means a statement about the future, especially one claimed to come from divine or supernatural insight. In plain terms, a prediction, especially one with a religious or mystical source.
How do you pronounce “prophecy”?
“Prophecy” is pronounced PRO-fih-see (/ˈpɹɑfɪsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “prophecy” in a sentence?
Here is “prophecy” used in a sentence: “The ancient prophecy foretold the fall of the kingdom.”
What part of speech is “prophecy”?
“Prophecy” is a noun.
Where does the word “prophecy” come from?
The word “prophecy” comes from Latin. From Old French prophetie, from Latin prophetia, from Greek prophēteia, ultimately from pro- ("before") + phēmi ("to speak") — literally "speaking beforehand.".
Is “prophecy” a common word?
“Prophecy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a prophecy and a prediction?
A prophecy is a statement about the future specifically claimed to come from divine or supernatural insight, often associated with religious or mystical traditions. A prediction is a broader term for any statement about the future, which can be based on evidence, expertise, or guesswork rather than supernatural claims.
What is the difference between prophecy and prophesy?
Prophecy is the noun, referring to the statement itself, as in "the prophecy came true." Prophesy is the verb, meaning to make such a statement, as in "she prophesied a great flood." Mixing up the spelling is a common mistake since the words sound alike.
Is a prophecy the same as a self-fulfilling prophecy?
A self-fulfilling prophecy is a specific type of prophecy that comes true precisely because people believe it and act in ways that cause it to happen. A general prophecy simply claims to foresee the future, without necessarily involving belief causing the outcome.
