prophecy

[ prof-uh-see ]

noun

, plural proph·e·cies.

1. the foretelling or prediction of what is to come.
2. something that is declared by a prophet, especially a divinely inspired prediction, instruction, or exhortation.
3. a divinely inspired utterance or revelation:

   oracular prophecies.

4. the action, function, or faculty of a prophet.

prophecy

/ ˈprɒfɪsɪ /

noun

1. 1. a message of divine truth revealing God's will
   2. the act of uttering such a message
2. a prediction or guess
3. the function, activity, or charismatic endowment of a prophet or prophets

Confusables Note

The French-derived noun prophecy and the related verb prophesy have a unique history. Before English spelling became relatively stabilized, they were both spelled many different ways—some with a c, some with an s, and even, at least in the case of the noun, some with a t (as in the corresponding modern French form prophétie ). But in the 18th century, the great diversity of spellings for these words settled down, with the c form becoming standard for the noun and the s form for the verb. At some point the pronunciation of the verb was also distinguished from that of the noun, so that instead of rhyming with see, like the noun, the verb rhymed with sigh —perhaps by analogy with the many verbs ending in -fy ( testify, stupefy, etc.). Considering the close relationship between the words, it is not surprising that they are easily confused; in particular, it is not unusual to see the noun written with an s, just as was often done before the 18th century. We may even prophesy that, over time, the form will once again become a completely acceptable spelling for the noun. But until then, careful writers and speakers maintain the conventional and long-established distinction between the two words in both spelling and pronunciation. Similarly, the verb "prophesize" (or "prophecize")—resulting from confusion between prophesy and verbs ending in -ize like proselytize and prioritize —is regarded as nonstandard. When you make a prophecy (sounds like see ), you are prophesying (sounds like sighing ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of prophecy¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English prophecie, from Old French, from Late Latin prophētīa, from Greek prophēteía; prophet, -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of prophecy¹

C13: ultimately from Greek prophētēs prophet

Example Sentences

He has also played into the prophecy fervor: During his victory speech last week, Trump referred to the assassination attempt on his life in July: “And I said that many people have told me that God spared my life for a reason. And that reason was to save our country and to restore America to greatness.”

From Slate

Olivia Williams is quick to admit that she was largely unfamiliar with the world of “Dune” before being cast in “Dune: Prophecy,” an HBO prequel series to Denis Villeneuve’s blockbuster films.

From Los Angeles Times

Playing Tula Harkonnen in “Dune: Prophecy,” set 10,000 years before the events of Villeneuve’s “Dune,” didn’t necessarily require Williams to delve deeply into the mythology of Frank Herbert’s novels.

From Los Angeles Times

Williams joined the series only weeks before “Dune: Prophecy” was shot in Budapest in the fall of 2022.

From Los Angeles Times

Williams, who grew up in London, began her career on the stage before appearing as Jane Fairfax in ITV’s 1996 adaptation of “Emma,” which starred her “Dune: Prophecy” cast mate Mark Strong as George Knightley.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apocalypse
• prognostication
• revelation