oracle
UK: ˈɒrək(ə)l | US: ˈɔːrək(ə)l
n. 1. A priest or priestess acting as a medium through whom advice or prophecy was sought from the gods in classical antiquity.
n. 2. A place at which such divine advice or prophecy was sought.
n. 3. A person or thing regarded as an infallible authority or guide.
The word "oracle" traces back to the Latin oraculum, derived from orare ("to speak, pray"). The root ora reflects the act of divine communication, while cle (a suffix in Latin) denotes a place or instrument. Originally tied to sacred sites like Delphi, the term evolved to signify both the medium (person) and the message (prophecy). Over time, it broadened metaphorically to describe any authoritative source of wisdom.
The ancient Greeks visited the oracle at Delphi to seek guidance from Apollo.
Her grandfather was considered the family oracle, always offering wise advice.
The tech CEO is often treated as an oracle of industry trends.
The book became an oracle for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Scholars debate whether the oracle’s prophecies were genuine or politically motivated.