Prophesied Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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prophesied
[หprษf.ษ.saษชd ]
Definition
future prediction
Prophesied is the past tense of prophesy, which means to predict or reveal something that is to come, often through divine inspiration or revelation. This term is frequently used in religious contexts, where individuals, known as prophets, are believed to have received messages from a higher power. The act of prophesying can encompass a range of predictions, from personal fortunes to significant events affecting nations. It implies knowledge of future events that is not available to ordinary people.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The ancient texts prophesied a great war.
- She prophesied that they would find success in their endeavors.
- In many cultures, shamans have prophesied changes in seasons.
- The book prophesied the arrival of a savior.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, figures believed to 'prophesy' hold important societal roles, often guiding communities in decision-making.
- Ancient Egyptian priests were seen as prophets, interpreting the will of the gods and predicting the Nile's floods.
- In Native American cultures, shamans often played the role of prophetic figures, using visions to forecast events and aid the tribe.
Literature
- Prophesying is a common theme in literature, such as the prophecies in Shakespeareโs 'Macbeth,' leading characters to their destinies.
- In many mythologies, prophecies serve as plot devices that foreshadow events and reveal characters' fates, often adding tension.
- Works like 'The Prophet' by Kahlil Gibran reflect on themes of wisdom and foresight, blending philosophy with the act of prophesying.
Psychology
- The phenomenon known as 'self-fulfilling prophecy' occurs when a belief or prediction brings about its own fulfillment.
- Studies show that people often unconsciously act in ways that align with the prophecies made about them, affecting their outcomes.
- Psychological research suggests that belief in one's ability to predict outcomes can affect decision-making and behavioral choices.
Historical Context
- Throughout history, many leaders have used prophesy to justify wars, claiming divine support or foretelling victory.
- The biblical prophets, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, warned their societies of impending disasters, influencing their spiritual and social paths.
- In 19th-century America, the Millerite movement involved a group believing they had accurately prophesied the Second Coming of Christ.
Origin of 'prophesied'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'prophฤtฤs,' which means 'one who speaks for a god' or 'foreteller.'
- The Latin version, 'prophesiare,' was used in Christian texts to describe individuals inspired by the divine to share future events.
- The use of 'prophesied' in English dates back to the 14th century, reflecting its deep roots in religious and spiritual contexts.
The word 'prophesied' comes from the Old English 'prophecia', which is derived from the Latin 'prophetia', meaning 'prophecy'. This, in turn, stems from the Greek 'prophฤtฤs', meaning 'one who speaks for a deity', combining 'pro-' meaning 'before' and 'phฤmi' meaning 'to speak'. The roots of the word emphasize the cultural significance of prophecy throughout history, especially in religious contexts across various cultures. Over centuries, prophesying has been associated with figures like priests, seers, and oracles, who were believed to have special insight or access to the divine will. The usage of the term has evolved but consistently highlights the theme of foretelling or divining future events.