Prophecy
/ˈprɒfəsi/
nounB2
Definition
A prophecy is a statement that tells what will happen later, usually given by a person who is thought to have special knowledge or a connection to a higher power. People often see prophecies in stories, religions, or traditions, where they predict important future events.
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See It in Action
A prediction about the future, often from a spiritual or divine source
- •The ancient prophecy said a hero would save the kingdom.
- •Many people believed the prophecy about the coming disaster.
- •The prophet shared a prophecy that changed the course of history.
A message given by a prophet or wise person about future events
- •The prophecy was written down in old sacred books.
- •She claimed to have received a prophecy during her dream.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "prophecy" like "prediction" (A2 word), but it feels more serious and often comes from a special or mysterious source.
- ✓Picture a wise person or a prophet speaking about the future, like in a story or movie.
- ✓It's the feeling of hope or fear when someone says something important will happen soon.
- ✓Sounds like "PROF-uh-see" → imagine a professor (teacher) giving a secret message about the future.
- ✓Remember famous stories like the Oracle in ancient Greece or the prophecies in Harry Potter that guide the characters.
- ✓NOT like a simple "guess" (which is random), a prophecy is believed to be true or important.
- ✓NOT like "forecast" (which is based on data), prophecy is often spiritual or mysterious.
- ✓NOT like "promise" (which is a plan or agreement), prophecy is a statement about what will happen, not what someone will do.
Try Other Words
- •Prediction: a statement about what might happen (Use when the future event is guessed based on facts or experience)
- •Forecast: a scientific or planned statement about the future (Use mostly for weather or business)
- •Vision: a mental image or idea about the future (Use when the future is seen in a dream or imagination)
- •Oracle: a person or place that gives prophecies (Use when emphasizing the source of the prophecy)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "prophe-" (from Greek "prophetes" meaning "one who speaks for others") + "-cy" (a noun suffix)
- •Etymology: From Greek "prophetes," meaning a person who speaks before others, especially about the future
- •Historical development: Used in English from the late 14th century to describe messages about the future from a divine source
- •Modern usage: Used in religion, literature, and sometimes everyday language to talk about important future predictions or warnings
Reflect & Connect
•How do people today react differently to a prophecy compared to a simple prediction?
•Can a prophecy change the future by the way people act after hearing it?
Fill in the blanks
1.The ancient prophecy predicted that the hero would ___ the kingdom from danger.
2.People often feel ___ or scared when they hear a serious prophecy about the future.
3.Unlike a simple guess, a prophecy usually comes from a ___ or special person.
4.The prophecy was written in a book and believed to be ___ by many followers.
5.When someone receives a prophecy, they may try to ___ its meaning carefully.
6.A prophecy is not like a weather forecast because it is often ___ or spiritual.
7.The story's prophecy made the characters ___ important decisions about their future.