fortunetelling: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

It can be written as one word ('fortunetelling') or with a hyphen ('fortune-telling'). The solid form is more common in American English, the hyphenated form in British English. The two-word form 'fortune telling' is also seen but is less standard in edited prose.

'Fortunetelling' typically refers to predicting personal, everyday futures (love, money, travel) often for entertainment or profit. 'Prophecy' implies a grand, divinely inspired or visionary prediction about the fate of nations or the world, often with moral or religious gravity.

Yes, metaphorically. For example, 'Trying to predict the stock market a year from now is just fortunetelling' means it's pure, unsupported speculation.

Not literally. The term is pejorative in such a context. Fortunetelling implies non-scientific, mystical methods. Calling a meteorologist a 'fortuneteller' would be an insult, suggesting their predictions are guesses.

The practice of predicting a person's future, often using mystical or supernatural methods.

Fortunetelling is usually neutral, but often informal or descriptive. in register.

Fortunetelling: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːtʃuːnˌtɛlɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːrtʃənˌtɛlɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.