What does prophesy mean?
To prophesy is to announce or predict a future event, particularly one understood as revealed through divine inspiration. The word commonly appears in religious, biblical, and mythological contexts, as when prophets foretell a ruler’s downfall or a community’s deliverance. It can also be used less specifically when someone makes a confident prediction, though this usage often suggests certainty comparable to that of an oracle. The present-day verb is less common than the related noun prophecy, which names either a prediction or the broader tradition of prophetic utterance. Knowing the distinction helps prevent confusion: one prophesies a victory, while a prophecy predicts it. The verb’s associations with sacred revelation, dramatic foreknowledge, and the power of the spoken prediction make it especially vivid in literary and historical writing.
verbTo predict what will happen, especially by divine inspiration. It can also be used more generally for making a confident prediction about the future.
- To foretell a future event, especially through divine inspiration or prophetic authority.
- To make a confident prediction about what will happen.
"The ancient oracle was said to prophesy the fate of the entire kingdom."
"Many had prophesied that the difficult journey would end in disaster."
"The minister warned that further delays could only prophesy further losses."
To prophesy is to declare what the future holds; to prophesy is to suggest that the present can read tomorrow.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prophesy come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old French prophesie, ultimately from Latin prophētia. Its deeper source is Greek prophēteia, a term associated with prophētēs, “one who speaks for God.” The Greek family also produced English forms such as prophet, prophetic, and prophecy through Old French and Latin. In English, the verb initially conveyed especially the idea of making a prediction under divine inspiration.
Related word forms
How prophesy is actually used
The verb traditionally carries a religious or oracular connotation, but it can also be used figuratively for an emphatic prediction. It should not be confused with the noun prophecy.
Easily confused with prophesy
Prophesy is the verb meaning “to predict,” whereas prophecy is the noun meaning “a prediction,” especially one attributed to divine inspiration.