Prophetic: meaning, definitions and examples

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prophetic

 

[ prəˈfɛtɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

in a religious or spiritual sense

Relating to or characteristic of a prophet or prophecy; having the quality of foretelling events.

Synonyms

foreseeing, predictive, prescient.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prophetic

Used when describing something or someone with a supernatural ability to predict the future. Often associated with mystical or religious figures.

  • The old hermit's prophetic visions often came true.
  • Her words were strangely prophetic, as everything she predicted happened.
predictive

Used in a more scientific or analytical context to describe models, algorithms, or data that are used to predict future trends or outcomes.

  • The predictive model helped the meteorologists forecast the hurricane's path.
  • Predictive analytics played a crucial role in revenue projections.
prescient

Used to describe someone who seems to have knowledge of events before they happen, often with a connotation of remarkable insight or intelligence.

  • Her prescient comments on the market trends were highly valued by her peers.
  • He was prescient in his decision to invest in technology start-ups early on.
foreseeing

Used when referring to someone who has the ability to see or predict what will happen in the future, usually based on insight or intuition rather than supernatural means.

  • With incredible foreseeing abilities, she warned us about the economic crisis.
  • His foreseeing nature saved the company from a potential downfall.

Examples of usage

  • He made a series of prophetic statements about the future of the company.
  • The prophetic books of the Bible contain messages of warning and hope.
Context #2 | Adjective

having a profound influence on the future

Foretelling or predicting what will happen in the future, often with a sense of significance or importance.

Synonyms

foreseeing, predictive, prescient.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prophetic

This word is often used in a religious or mystical context, where a person is believed to have a divine ability to foresee future events. It can also be used in literature to describe someone with an uncanny ability to predict future happenings.

  • The ancient texts were said to be prophetic, warning of future disasters
  • His prophetic words about the company's downfall proved to be true
predictive

This word is often used in scientific, technological, or statistical contexts, referring to the ability to make predictions based on data analysis or algorithms.

  • Predictive models have become essential in modern weather forecasting
  • The company uses predictive analytics to enhance their marketing strategies
prescient

Typically used to describe someone who has an extraordinary ability to understand or predict future events, often in a way that seems almost magical or otherworldly.

  • Her prescient comments on the political situation were surprisingly accurate
  • The prescient founder of the company saw the potential of the technology long before others did
foreseeing

This term is generally used in less mystical and more practical situations where someone has the ability to anticipate future events based on current evidence or trends.

  • She was known for foreseeing market trends and making wise investment decisions
  • His foreseeing nature helped the team prepare for potential obstacles

Examples of usage

  • His prophetic vision of the future shaped the course of history.
  • The scientist's prophetic theories revolutionized the field of physics.

Translations

Translations of the word "prophetic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 profético

🇮🇳 भविष्यवाणी

🇩🇪 prophetisch

🇮🇩 nubuat

🇺🇦 пророчий

🇵🇱 proroczy

🇯🇵 予言的

🇫🇷 prophétique

🇪🇸 profético

🇹🇷 peygamberane

🇰🇷 예언적인

🇸🇦 نبوئي

🇨🇿 prorocký

🇸🇰 prorocký

🇨🇳 预言的

🇸🇮 preroški

🇮🇸 spádómslegur

🇰🇿 пайғамбарлық

🇬🇪 წინასწარმეტყველური

🇦🇿 peyğəmbərcəsinə

🇲🇽 profético

Etymology

The word 'prophetic' originates from the Middle English word 'profetik', which comes from the Old French 'prophetique', and ultimately from the Latin 'propheticus'. The Latin term is derived from the Greek word 'prophētikos', meaning 'predictive, prophetical'. The concept of prophecy and foretelling the future has been a part of many cultures and religions throughout history, with prophets and seers often playing important roles in shaping beliefs and societies.

See also: prophetess.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,742 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.