soothsay: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareLiterary, archaic, historical
Quick answer
What does “soothsay” mean?
The practice, art, or act of foretelling events.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice, art, or act of foretelling events; prophecy.
To predict or prognosticate future events, often through supernatural or magical insight.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Conjures images of ancient oracles, seers, and classical literature. Often used with a hint of scepticism or romanticism.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern usage, found mostly in historical or poetic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “soothsay” in a Sentence
[Subject] soothsays[Subject] soothsays [Object/Outcome]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “soothsay” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The druid would soothsay by observing the flight of birds.
- It is not for us to soothsay the whims of fate.
American English
- She claimed to soothsay using a deck of ancient tarot cards.
- He didn't soothsay the market crash, he analysed it.
adjective
British English
- The soothsay ritual was performed at dawn.
- He possessed a certain soothsay ability.
American English
- They sought her soothsay advice before the expedition.
- The book detailed soothsay practices of the Romans.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, religious, or anthropological studies discussing ancient prophecy.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound deliberately archaic or humorous.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “soothsay”
- Using it in modern contexts where 'predict' is appropriate.
- Incorrectly spelling as 'sooth-say' (hyphenated).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic. Its primary modern use is in historical or literary contexts, or in the compound noun 'soothsayer'.
'Predict' is a neutral, modern term based on evidence or calculation. 'Soothsay' implies mystical, intuitive, or supernatural insight and is archaic.
Yes, though rare. It means the act or practice of prophecy (e.g., 'the art of soothsay'). The agent noun 'soothsayer' is more common.
It comes from Old English 'sōþ' (truth) + 'secgan' (to say). Literally, 'to say the truth'.
The practice, art, or act of foretelling events.
Soothsay is usually literary, archaic, historical in register.
Soothsay: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsuːθ.seɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsuːθ.seɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific. Often part of the fixed phrase 'to practise soothsay'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'sooth' (an old word for 'truth') + 'say'. A soothsayer 'says the truth' about what is to come.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING THE FUTURE IS SEEING/SPEAKING.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest modern synonym for 'soothsay' in most contexts?