Prophet: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ฎ
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prophet

 

[หˆprษ’fษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious figure

A person regarded as an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God.

Synonyms

oracle, seer, sibyl.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prophet

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.
seer

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 โ€˜prophetโ€™.

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

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.
sibyl

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.

Examples of usage

  • The prophet warned the people of the impending disaster.
  • She is considered a prophet in her community.
Context #2 | Noun

someone who predicts the future

A person who foretells or predicts what is to come in the future.

Synonyms

forecaster, predictor, visionary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prophet

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.
forecaster

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.
predictor

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.
visionary

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.

Examples of usage

  • The prophet foresaw the rise of the new technology.
  • She has gained a reputation as a prophet of economic trends.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'prophet' comes from the Greek word 'prophetฤ“s', meaning 'one who speaks on behalf of another'.
  • In ancient civilizations, prophets often served as advisors to kings and leaders.
  • Many early prophets were believed to communicate messages through visions, making them highly respected figures.

Religious Significance

  • In many religions, such as Judaism and Islam, prophets are seen as mediators between God and people.
  • Famous prophets include Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt, and Muhammad, who is considered the final prophet in Islam.
  • Prophets often deliver warnings and predictions about moral behavior and future events, shaping belief systems.

Literature and Art

  • Prophets have been prominent figures in literature, often symbolizing truth and moral guidance.
  • In modern literature, the archetype of the prophet appears in characters who reveal hidden truths to others.
  • Art frequently depicts prophets, especially in religious contexts, illustrating their importance throughout history.

Psychological Aspect

  • The belief in prophets can fulfill a psychological need for certainty and guidance in uncertain times.
  • Studies show that followers often feel a stronger sense of community and purpose when they adhere to a prophetic message.
  • Prophetic figures can inspire popularity movements, highlighting the human attraction to visionary leaders.

Pop Culture

  • Prophets have influenced pop culture, appearing in movies, music, and television as symbols of hope and change.
  • In dystopian literature, prophetic characters often warn about the consequences of societal choices, resonating with audiences seeking cautionary tales.
  • The archetype of the prophet can be seen in modern films, where characters often predict events and motivate others towards action.

Translations

Translations of the word "prophet" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น profeta

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคจเคฌเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Prophet

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ nabi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั€ะพั€ะพะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ prorok

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ ่จ€่€… (yogen-sha)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท prophรจte

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ profeta

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท peygamber

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์˜ˆ์–ธ์ž (yeonja)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู†ูŽุจููŠู‘ (nabiy)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ prorok

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ prorok

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ…ˆ็Ÿฅ (xiฤnzhฤซ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ prerok

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ spรกmaรฐur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟะฐะนา“ะฐะผะฑะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฌแƒ˜แƒœแƒแƒกแƒฌแƒแƒ แƒ›แƒ”แƒขแƒงแƒ•แƒ”แƒšแƒ˜ (ts'inasts'armet'q'veli)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ peyฤŸษ™mbษ™r

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ profeta

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,216 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.