seeress: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary, Historical, Formal
Quick answer
What does “seeress” mean?
A female prophet or clairvoyant.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A female prophet or clairvoyant; a woman who is believed to have the ability to see visions of the future or have supernatural insight.
In literary or historical contexts, a woman who serves as an oracle or visionary, often with mystical or spiritual authority. The term can imply a specific social or religious role, distinct from a male 'seer'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare and stylistically marked in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes ancient or mythic contexts (e.g., Greek or Norse mythology, biblical stories, epic fantasy).
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both corpora. Slightly more likely to appear in British historical or academic texts due to a traditionally stronger focus on classical studies, but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “seeress” in a Sentence
The seeress prophesied [that-clause]The seeress warned [NP] of [NP]They consulted the seeress [about NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “seeress” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literature, history, religious studies, and anthropology papers when referring to specific female prophetic figures.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound archaic or intentionally literary.
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “seeress”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “seeress”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “seeress”
- Using it as a general term for any modern fortune-teller (incorrect register).
- Pronouncing it as /siːrɛs/ (like 'see' + 'ress').
- Misspelling as 'seeress' (double 'e') or 'seeres'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency word used primarily in literary, historical, or mythological contexts. It is not part of everyday modern English.
A 'seeress' implies a formal, often ancient or mystical role with prophetic authority (like an oracle). A 'fortune-teller' is a more general, modern term for someone who predicts the future, often for payment, and lacks the formal/ritual connotations.
No. The '-ess' suffix specifically denotes a female. The male equivalent is 'seer' or 'prophet'.
Yes, it is archaic in tone. While still understood, its use marks a text as literary, historical, or deliberately evocative of the past. Most modern contexts would use 'prophetess', 'clairvoyant', or simply 'seer' (which is increasingly gender-neutral).
A female prophet or clairvoyant.
Seeress is usually literary, historical, formal in register.
Seeress: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪərɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪrɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a female 'SEER' (one who sees the future) with the suffix '-ESS' (like 'actress'), forming SEE-R-ESS.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING IS SEEING (She 'sees' what others cannot). A CONTAINER (The seeress is a vessel for divine knowledge).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'seeress' MOST appropriately used?