Prophet: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in religious or spiritual contexts to refer to someone who is believed to be chosen by a deity to deliver messages or teachings. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who predicts future events.

• Many people consider him to be a modern-day prophet.
• The prophet delivered a message of peace to the community.

Generally used in a mystical or paranormal sense to refer to someone who can see future events or have supernatural insights. It can sometimes have a more mystical or mysterious connotation compared to ‘prophet’.

• The villagers consulted the seer about the upcoming harvest.
• He claimed to be a seer with visions of the future.

Typically used in ancient contexts, like Greek or Roman mythology, to describe a person or place through which divine advice or prophecy is given. Can also refer metaphorically to someone or something serving as a source of wise counsel or authoritative predictions.

• The ancient Greeks sought guidance from the oracle at Delphi.
• In matters of finance, she is considered an oracle.

Refers specifically to female prophets in ancient Greece and Rome who were believed to deliver messages from the gods. It is less commonly used today and has historical or classical connotations.

• The sibyls were revered figures in ancient Roman religion.
• Her words were like those of a sibyl, full of mystery and ancient wisdom.

Often used in religious or spiritual contexts to describe someone who is believed to have been chosen by a higher power to convey a divine message.

• Muhammad is considered a prophet in Islam.
• Many people believe that ancient prophets had the ability to predict the future.

Commonly used in scientific and statistical contexts, especially relating to weather, economics, or other areas where data is analyzed to predict future events.

• The weather forecaster predicted a storm for the weekend.
• Economic forecasters are predicting a recession.

A broad term that can be used in various situations where someone or something is trying to foresee future events based on certain data or trends.

• The computer model is a highly accurate predictor of election results.
• High levels of cholesterol are strong predictors of heart disease.

Used to describe someone who has innovative and imaginative ideas about the future, often with a positive connotation.

• Steve Jobs was a visionary in the field of technology.
• Her visionary plans transformed the company into a global leader.