# prophesy

/pɹˈɒfəsi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prophesy
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

to say what will happen in the future, especially because of religious belief or strong feeling. You use it when someone claims special knowledge, not just a normal guess.

For teachers: to predict future events, especially through divine inspiration or religious authority. Implies a claim of supernatural or intuitive knowledge rather than evidence-based forecasting.

## Examples

- They prophesy a bright future for the new school.
- The old priest claimed to prophesy drought and famine if the village ignored the warning.
- Historians note that leaders who prophesy national renewal in times of crisis often gain loyal followers, even when their promises lack clear evidence.

## Pitfalls

- Not "his prophesy came true" but "his prophecy came true" — Prophesy is the verb; prophecy is the noun for the prediction itself.

## Usage notes

- Takes a direct object or a 'that'-clause for the predicted event; can also be used without an object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.