Prophecy
noun /ˈprɒf.ɪ.si/ — A prediction of future events, especially by divine insight
Definition
A prediction of what will happen in the future — especially one inspired by divine revelation or extraordinary insight. A prophecy is not just a guess; it is a statement of what fate has decided.
Beyond the definition
The word that changes the future by naming it. A prophecy creates the possibility it describes — sometimes by warning, sometimes by inviting fulfillment.
Origin & history
From Old French 'prophecie', from Latin 'prophetia', from Greek 'prophēteia' (gift of interpreting the will of God) — from 'prophetes' (interpreter, spokesman) — 'pro' (before) + 'phanai' (to speak). To speak before.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The prophecy was ambiguous enough to be fulfilled in any number of ways — which is how the best ones work.
Self-fulfilling prophecy: the prediction that produces the behaviour that confirms it.
Greek tragedy understood that prophecies cannot be outrun — the attempt is always the road to fulfillment.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Prophecy” when the meaning fits your context: A prediction of what will happen in the future — especially one inspired by divine revelation or extraordinary insight. A prophecy is not just a guess; it is a statement of what fate has decided.
Synonyms
prediction, oracle, foretelling, divination, revelation
Antonyms
retrospect, ignorance
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Prophecy" mean?
Prophecy is noun meaning: A prediction of future events, especially by divine insight. A prediction of what will happen in the future — especially one inspired by divine revelation or extraordinary insight. A prophecy is not just a guess; it is a statement of what fate has decided.
Where does the word "Prophecy" come from?
From Old French 'prophecie', from Latin 'prophetia', from Greek 'prophēteia' (gift of interpreting the will of God) — from 'prophetes' (interpreter, spokesman) — 'pro' (before) + 'phanai' (to speak). To speak before.