Prophetic
/prəˈfɛtɪk/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Prophetic means relating to a prophecy or a prediction about the future. When someone or something is prophetic, it shows knowledge or signs about what will happen later. This word often connects to wise or special knowledge that seems to come from a deeper understanding or a spiritual source.
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See It in Action
Related to predicting or showing future events
- •The author’s prophetic words about technology came true decades later.
- •Her prophetic vision warned the community about the coming storm.
- •Many ancient texts contain prophetic messages about the future.
Having the quality of being able to predict or warn
- •His speech was prophetic, alerting people to possible dangers ahead.
- •The film had a prophetic message about environmental problems.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "prophetic" like "predict" (A2 word), but stronger and more serious—like a warning or important message about the future
- ✓Picture a person looking far ahead, like a wise old storyteller who knows secrets about what will happen next
- ✓It's the feeling you get when someone says something that later turns out to be true, making you surprised or thoughtful
- ✓Sounds like "pro-FET-ic" → imagine a professional "fate" teller who carefully tells you what will happen
- ✓In stories, prophets are people who tell important future events, like in fairy tales or history
- ✓NOT like "guess" (simple or random idea about the future), "prophetic" means a thoughtful or meaningful prediction
- ✓NOT like "forecast" (based on data or science), "prophetic" often feels more spiritual or mysterious
Try Other Words
- •Predicting: saying what will happen (Use when the future idea is based on facts or simple guesses)
- •Foretelling: telling the future (Use when emphasizing a clear or special future message)
- •Visionary: showing new ideas about the future (Use when the future idea is creative or original)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: "pro-" (forward, before)
- •Root: "phete" from Greek "phēmi" meaning "to speak"
- •Suffix: "-ic" (makes adjective, meaning "related to")
- •Etymology: From Greek "prophetes," meaning a person who speaks before others, or a prophet
- •Historical development: Originally meant a person who speaks messages from gods or spirits about the future; now also used for things that seem to predict future events
- •Modern usage: Used to describe words, messages, or ideas that seem to warn or show what will happen later, often with importance or wisdom
Reflect & Connect
•Can something be called prophetic even if the prediction is not exact? Why or why not?
•How do you think people feel when they hear a prophetic message about their future?
Fill in the blanks
1.A prophetic statement often ___ about events that have not happened yet but might in the future.
2.When a leader gives a prophetic speech, they usually ___ people to prepare for what is coming.
3.Unlike a simple guess, a prophetic message often carries ___ or warning.
4.The novel’s prophetic vision of the future was ___ by many readers as very accurate.
5.Prophetic words are often ___ with seriousness and deep meaning.
6.Someone who is prophetic might ___ future problems before others see them.
7.In stories, a prophetic character often ___ important secrets about what will happen next.