prophesy

[ prof-uh-sahy ]

/ ˈprɒf əˌsaɪ /

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verb (used with object), proph·e·sied, proph·e·sy·ing.

to foretell or predict.

to indicate beforehand.

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

to utter in prophecy or as a prophet.

verb (used without object), proph·e·sied, proph·e·sy·ing.

to make predictions.

to make inspired declarations of what is to come.

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

Archaic. to teach religious subjects.

Nearby words

property tax, propfan, prophage, prophase, prophecy, prophesy, prophet, prophetess, prophetic, prophets, prophylactic

Origin of prophesy

1350–1400; Middle English; v. use of variant of prophecy (fully distinguished in form and meaning in the 18th century)

SYNONYMS FOR prophesy

1 augur, prognosticate. See predict.

3 divine.

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Related forms

proph·e·si·a·ble, adjectiveproph·e·si·er, nounun·proph·e·sied, adjective

Can be confused

prophecy prophesy

British Dictionary definitions for prophesy

prophesy

/ (ˈprɒfɪˌsaɪ) /

verb -sies, -sying or -sied

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

(intr) archaic to give instruction in religious subjects

Derived Forms

prophesiable, adjectiveprophesier, noun

Word Origin for prophesy

C14 prophecien, from prophecy

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012