prophesy

American  

[prof-uh-sahy] / ˈprɒf əˌsaɪ /

verb (used with object)

prophesied, prophesying

1. to foretell or predict.

   Synonyms:

   prognosticate, augur

2. to indicate beforehand.

3. to declare or foretell by or as if by divine inspiration.

   Synonyms:

   divine

4. to utter in prophecy or as a prophet.

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verb (used without object)

prophesied, prophesying

1. to make predictions.

2. to make inspired declarations of what is to come.

3. to speak as a mediator between God and humankind or in God's stead.

4. Archaic. to teach religious subjects.

prophesy British  

/ ˈprɒfɪˌsaɪ /

verb

1. to reveal or foretell (something, esp a future event) by or as if by divine inspiration

2. archaic (intr) to give instruction in religious subjects

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Commonly Confused

See prophecy.

Related Words

See predict.

Other Word Forms

• prophesiable adjective
• prophesier noun
• unprophesied adjective

Etymology

Origin of prophesy

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; verb use of variant of the noun prophecy (fully distinguished in form and meaning in the 18th century)

Explanation

The word prophesy can mean to predict or reveal something that will happen in the future. Many people use astrology to prophesy, or predict, their future regarding misfortune, wealth, love, and relationships. Used as a verb prophesy can mean to deliver a sermon or predict through divine inspiration. A religious leader may prophesy to followers about good, evil, and forgiveness. In ancient Greece, an oracle would prophesy the Greek's future regarding the gods, war, and harvest. Using a crystal ball, a fortuneteller will prophesy, or reveal, aspects of your future such as wealth, love, and death.

Example Sentences

This is headline news today, but more than a century ago American writers began to foresee such a crisis, and to prophesy what might happen next.

From Salon • May 17, 2025

Only Chani manages to escape the trap of prophesy and bloodlines, of arranged marriage, designer babies and the dream of world domination.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2024

One of their three unreleased songs Love In The City could almost be a prophesy of what befell them.

From BBC • Oct. 3, 2022

That should give central bankers confidence that high prices are not becoming so embedded in the American psyche that they become a self-fulfilling prophesy as people ask for higher pay and change their spending patterns.

From New York Times • Jul. 15, 2022

Everyone was ready to give them advice on whom to see, what to say, or to prophesy the outcome of this Congress.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes

Related Words

• foretell
• portend
• presage