prophesy
UK: /ˈprɒfɪsaɪ/ | US: /ˈprɑːfɪsaɪ/
vt. to predict or foretell future events, often by divine inspiration
vi. to speak or write as a prophet; to make a prophecy
prophesy = pro<before> + phes<speak> + y<verb suffix>
- pro (from Greek pro, meaning "before" or "forward")
- phes (from Greek phēmi, meaning "to speak")
- y (a verb-forming suffix in English)
Etymology Origin:
The word prophesy traces back to Greek prophēteia ("prophecy"), combining pro- ("before") and phēmi ("to speak"). It entered English via Old French prophecier, retaining the core idea of "speaking beforehand" or declaring future events. The spelling distinction (prophesy verb vs. prophecy noun) emerged in Middle English to differentiate grammatical functions.
The ancient oracle was said to prophesy the fate of kings.
Some believe dreams can prophesy future events.
The preacher would often prophesy about the end of days.
She claimed to prophesy the outcome of the battle accurately.
Writers sometimes use fiction to prophesy societal changes.