prophecy
B2formal, literary, religious
Definition
Meaning
A prediction of the future, especially one delivered by a divine being or under divine inspiration.
A statement or prediction of future events, especially one expressing profound insight or foreknowledge; a declaration of what is to come.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers specifically to the content or message of the prediction itself. The focus is on the utterance or the written pronouncement. Contrast with 'prophecy' (noun) vs. 'prophesy' (verb).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The spelling 'prophecy' (noun) vs. 'prophesy' (verb) is consistent in both varieties, though the verb form is now quite rare.
Connotations
Strongly associated with biblical or religious contexts in both varieties. Can imply a sense of inevitability or divine authority.
Frequency
More frequent in religious, literary, and historical texts than in everyday conversation in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
prophecy that + clauseprophecy of/about + nounprophecy + verb (come true, be fulfilled)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “self-fulfilling prophecy”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, used metaphorically (e.g., 'The CEO's warning became a self-fulfilling prophecy for the market.').
Academic
Common in religious studies, literature, and history departments to analyse texts and cultural movements.
Everyday
Used mainly to discuss predictions, often with a sense of skepticism or inevitability (e.g., 'His prophecy about the traffic was right.').
Technical
Not typically used in STEM fields outside of metaphorical or historical references.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The old seer would often prophesy doom.
- Few dare to prophesy the outcome of the election.
American English
- The preacher began to prophesy about the end times.
- He did not prophesy any major market shifts.
adverb
British English
- He spoke prophetically of a great conflict.
- The event unfolded almost prophetically.
American English
- She predicted the result prophetically.
- The novel prophetically described a global pandemic.
adjective
British English
- The prophetic words sent a chill through the crowd.
- She had a prophetic dream about the fire.
American English
- His warnings proved prophetic.
- The book's prophetic vision of technology was uncanny.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The story has a prophecy about a hero.
- Her prophecy was wrong.
- According to the prophecy, the king would return one day.
- He made a prophecy that the team would lose.
- The ancient prophecy foretold the rise and fall of empires.
- Many believe the current events fulfill a biblical prophecy.
- The economist's grim prophecy of a prolonged recession appears increasingly likely.
- Her critique of the media's role became a self-fulfilling prophecy, undermining public trust.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PROPHECY is the noun (ends with -cy). It is the thing said or written. Remember: 'The prophecy was accurate.'
Conceptual Metaphor
FUTURE IS A WRITTEN/SPOKEN TEXT (The prophecy was inscribed in the ancient book; Her words mapped out our destiny).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'пророчество' (correct) vs. 'прорицание' (more about the act of divining).
- Avoid using 'пророк' (prophet) for the prediction itself.
- Beware of false friend 'профёзия' (non-existent).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing spelling with verb 'prophesy' (e.g., 'He made a prophesy' is incorrect).
- Using it for non-serious predictions (e.g., 'My prophecy is it will rain' – overblown).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'prophecy' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Prophecy' is a noun meaning the prediction itself. 'Prophesy' is a verb meaning to make a prediction. Remember: 'The prophecy' (noun) vs. 'to prophesy' (verb).
No, while its strongest association is religious (e.g., biblical prophecy), it is also used in literary, historical, and metaphorical contexts (e.g., a self-fulfilling prophecy in psychology or business).
In British English, it's /ˈprɒf.ə.si/ (PROF-uh-see). In American English, it's /ˈprɑː.fə.si/ (PRAH-fuh-see). The final syllable sounds like 'see'.
Typically, it implies a prediction of significant, often monumental events, made with an air of authority or divine inspiration. Using it for mundane predictions (e.g., 'My prophecy is we'll have pizza for dinner') is intentionally humorous or ironic.
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