seer

¹

[ see-er seer ]

noun

1. a person who sees; see; observer.
2. a person who prophesies future events; prophet:

   Industry seers predicted higher profits.

   Synonyms: augur, soothsayer, oracle

3. a person endowed with profound moral and spiritual insight or knowledge; a wise person or sage who possesses intuitive powers.
4. a person who is reputed to have special powers of divination, as a crystal gazer or palmist.

seer

²

[ seer, sair ]

noun

1. ser.

seer

¹

/ sɪə /

noun

1. a person who can supposedly see into the future; prophet
2. a person who professes supernatural powers
3. a person who sees

seer

²

/ sɪə /

noun

1. a variant spelling of ser

Derived Forms

• ˈseeress, noun:feminine

Word History and Origins

Origin of seer¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see ¹, -er ¹

Origin of seer²

First recorded in 1610–20

Example Sentences

But Francis has expressed skepticism about more recent events, including claims of repeated messages from Mary to “seers” at the shrine of Medjugorje, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, even while allowing pilgrimages to take place there.

From Seattle Times

“We can get religious knowledge from anyone,” he said in cutting off a seer.

From New York Times

But some Hindu seers and most of the opposition are staying away, saying Mr Modi is using it for political gains.

From BBC

Marling initially thought of Owen for the role because he has historically been called upon to play what she calls “the seer.”

From Los Angeles Times

Hawkers yelled and buyers bargained, standing over glassy-eyed seer, mackerel, and bass.

From Literature

Related Words

• forecaster
• prophet
• soothsayer