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

The promotion for Eternal Atake 2 once again sees Lil Uzi Vert leaning into Heaven’s Gate’s underlying beliefs of ufology and prophecy fulfillment, with the album trailer featuring the rapper being transported via UFO to another dimension. —Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 1 Nov. 2024

Both extremes derail progress, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of missed opportunities and unrealized potential. —Marina Suholutsky, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

While Jung-ja’s prophecy may seem inescapable, Hye-jin’s survival in the Season 2 finale proves that her visions can be changed. —Kayti Burt, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024

In 1950s England, milkman John Pollock made a shocking prophecy: his two daughters, who had passed away, would be reborn. —Peter White, Deadline, 21 Oct. 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