prophesy
LowLiterary/Religious
Definition
Meaning
To predict or foretell a future event, typically through divine inspiration or revelation.
To speak or write with prophetic authority; to declare what one believes will happen in the future, often with strong conviction or a sense of fate.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb 'prophesy' (ending in '-sy') is distinct from the noun 'prophecy' (ending in '-cy'). It often carries a weight of spiritual or supernatural authority, as opposed to mere prediction. In contemporary usage, it can be used semi-figuratively to describe confident predictions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant meaning difference. The main difference is in the pronunciation of the final '-sy' (see IPA).
Connotations
In both, the word strongly evokes biblical or religious contexts. In secular use, it may be employed with a sense of irony or grandeur.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to specific contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
prophesy that + clauseprophesy + noun phrase (event)prophesy + about/against/for + objectVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to prophesy doom and gloom”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'Analysts prophesy a downturn in the market.'
Academic
Used in theological, historical, or literary studies discussing prophetic texts or figures.
Everyday
Very rare. If used, it's often for dramatic effect or humour: 'Don't prophesy that it'll rain on my wedding day!'
Technical
Not applicable in STEM fields. Specific to humanities, especially religious studies.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The ancient seer would often prophesy to the townsfolk.
- He continues to prophesy a radical change in the political climate.
- In the play, the witches prophesy Macbeth's rise and fall.
American English
- The preacher prophesied a great revival for the city.
- Economists are prophesying a recession next year.
- She claimed to prophesy the winner of the election.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The old book seemed to prophesy many future events.
- Some people claim to prophesy the weather.
- Historians note how difficult it is to prophesy geopolitical shifts accurately.
- The character in the novel is cursed to prophesy only tragedies.
- Critics who once prophesied the imminent collapse of the alliance have been proven wrong.
- His ability to prophesy market trends with uncanny accuracy made him a legend in finance.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember the spelling: PROPHESY is the verb (with an S), just like 'say' is a verb. You prophesy what will come to paSS.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FUTURE IS A LANDSCAPE TO BE SEEN AND DESCRIBED; THE PROPHET IS A SEER (one who sees).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'пророчить' (to wish/offer in marriage) - a false friend. The correct Russian translation is 'пророчествовать' (a high register word) or 'предсказывать'.
- Do not confuse with the noun 'prophecy' (пророчество).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'prophecy' when using the verb (e.g., 'He will prophecy the future' - INCORRECT).
- Using 'prophesy' as a noun.
- Mispronouncing the final syllable as 'see' /siː/ instead of 'sigh' /saɪ/.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'prophesy' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Prophecy' (pronounced /ˈprɒfəsi/) is a noun meaning a prediction. 'Prophesy' (pronounced /ˈprɒfɪsaɪ/) is a verb meaning to make a prediction.
Primarily, yes, it originates from and is strongly associated with religious revelation. However, it can be used in a secular, often slightly literary or ironic way, to mean 'predict with great certainty'.
Link the 's' in 'prophesy' to the 's' in 'say' – you prophesy (say) what will happen. The noun 'prophecy' ends like 'fancy'.
No, 'prophesize' is a common error. The correct verb is 'prophesy'. 'Prophesize' is considered non-standard and should be avoided in formal writing.