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Prophecies Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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prophecies

[หˆprษ’f.ษช.siหz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

future events

Prophecies are predictions or statements about what will happen in the future. They are often believed to be divinely inspired or based on supernatural knowledge.

Synonyms

forecasts, predictions, prophetic statements.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prophecies

Used in religious or mystical contexts, often implying a divine or supernatural revelation about the future.

  • The ancient prophecies foretold the coming of a great leader
  • Many turned to the prophecies to understand their fate
predictions

General term for statements about the future. Can be based on intuition, data, or analysis, and is not limited to any specific context.

  • Her predictions about the future of technology were surprisingly accurate
  • Experts made predictions about the outcome of the election
forecasts

Used in practical, data-driven contexts, such as weather, economics, or trends. Focuses on likely future events based on current information.

  • The weather forecast predicts rain for tomorrow
  • Economic forecasts suggest a recession is imminent
prophetic statements

Similar to prophecies but used more broadly. Can be used to describe statements that seem to foresee future events, often with a sense of wisdom or insight.

  • His prophetic statements about climate change have gained increasing attention
  • The novelโ€™s setting was eerily prophetic of todayโ€™s world

Examples of usage

  • The prophecies of Nostradamus have fascinated people for centuries.
  • Many ancient cultures had prophecies about the end of the world.
  • Her dreams seemed to contain prophecies of upcoming events.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the Greek 'propheteia', meaning 'to speak on behalf of god', highlighting its divine connotation.
  • Prophecies often emerged in ancient cultures, where people believed certain individuals communicated messages from deities.
  • In ancient Israel, prophets would offer guidance and warnings based on their visions.

Literature

  • Many classic stories feature characters who make prophecies, like the three witches in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', who predict the protagonist's future.
  • In the Bible, prophecies play a significant role in both the Old and New Testaments, influencing followers' beliefs and actions.
  • Modern literature often uses prophecies as plot devices to create suspense, as seen in series like 'Harry Potter'.

Psychology

  • The belief in prophecies can affect peopleโ€™s decisions, a phenomenon known as self-fulfilling prophecy, where expectations lead to actual changes in behavior.
  • Cognitive biases can lead people to see patterns in random events, often interpreting them as prophetic messages.
  • Research suggests that individuals who believe in prophecy might experience increased feelings of security and hope for the future.

Cultural Significance

  • Various cultures have their own figures who are believed to make prophecies, from the Oracle of Delphi in ancient Greece to shamans in indigenous tribes.
  • Throughout history, prophecies have been used to justify political actions, as leaders claimed divine support for their decisions.
  • In many traditions, prophecies might hold social or ethical implications, guiding community beliefs and practices.

Science

  • While scientific predictions rely on data and trends, some surprisingly mirror the uncertainty seen in ancient prophecies.
  • In fields like meteorology, forecasting the weather can feel akin to prophecy, as it relies on complex models and interpretations.
  • Astrology, though viewed as pseudoscience, draws parallels between celestial movements and human destiny, much like ancient prophetic traditions.

Origin of 'prophecies'

The word 'prophecies' originated from the Middle English word 'prophecie', which came from the Old French 'prophecie' and the Latin 'prophetia'. The concept of prophecy has been a part of various cultures and religions throughout history, often associated with spiritual or divine insights into the future.

See also: prophesying.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,443, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.