Prophecy: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in a mystical or religious context, often referring to events that are believed to be revealed by divine inspiration or supernatural insight.

• The ancient prophecy foretold of the hero's return
• The oracle spoke a prophecy that shook the kingdom

A general term for making statements about the future based on observation, analysis, or intuition. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts.

• Her prediction about the election results was surprisingly accurate
• Scientists make predictions about climate change based on current data

Commonly used in scientific or practical contexts, especially related to weather or economics, where predictions are based on data and analysis.

• The weather forecast predicts rain for the weekend
• The economic forecast suggests a slight improvement in the job market

An elaborate term often used in medical or academic contexts where future events or conditions are predicted with a high level of uncertainty.

• The doctor's prognostication was not very hopeful
• Ancient scholars were engaged in the prognostication of celestial events

Refers to the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means. Often associated with rituals, omens, or spiritual practices.

• She practiced divination using tarot cards
• Divination ceremonies were held to predict the outcome of the war

Commonly used in a religious or spiritual context, where someone foresees events typically as a divine revelation.

• The ancient text contains a prophecy about the end of the world.
• He spoke of the prophecy with deep reverence and awe.

A general term used to describe the act of predicting or forecasting future events, not necessarily with a mystical or spiritual context.

• The economist's foretelling of a recession caused widespread panic.
• Her foretelling of the storm saved many lives.

Refers to an uneasy feeling or intuition that something, often something bad, is going to happen.

• She had a premonition that something terrible was about to occur.
• His premonition of danger made him take extra precautions.

Typically refers to an ancient practice of interpreting omens, often related to birds, to predict future events.

• The Roman priests performed augury to determine the will of the gods.
• Her gloomy augury about the future left everyone unsettled.

Used to indicate something that foreshadows or warns of a future event, often in a more literary or formal context.

• The dark clouds were a presage of the coming storm.
• His sudden illness could presage more serious health issues.