Soothsayer: meaning, definitions and examples

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soothsayer

 

[ ˈsuːθseɪər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

fortune telling

A person who claims to have supernatural ability to predict the future or interpret omens.

Synonyms

oracle, prophet, seer

Examples of usage

  • The soothsayer warned the king of an impending disaster.
  • People would flock to the soothsayer seeking guidance on important decisions.
Context #2 | Noun

historical context

In ancient Rome, a religious official who interpreted omens and advised the government.

Synonyms

augur, haruspex

Examples of usage

  • The soothsayer in Julius Caesar warned him to 'Beware the Ides of March.'
  • The Senate consulted the soothsayer before making important decisions.

Translations

Translations of the word "soothsayer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 adivinho

🇮🇳 भविष्यवक्ता

🇩🇪 Wahrsager

🇮🇩 peramal

🇺🇦 віщун

🇵🇱 wróżbita

🇯🇵 予言者 (yogensha)

🇫🇷 devin

🇪🇸 adivino

🇹🇷 kâhin

🇰🇷 예언자 (yeonjeonja)

🇸🇦 عراف

🇨🇿 věštec

🇸🇰 veštec

🇨🇳 预言家 (yùyán jiā)

🇸🇮 prerok

🇮🇸 spákona

🇰🇿 балгер

🇬🇪 წინასწარმეტყველი (ts'inasts'armet'qveli)

🇦🇿 falcı

🇲🇽 adivino

Etymology

The word 'soothsayer' has its origins in Old English and Middle English, where 'sooth' meant truth or reality, and 'say' meant speak. So a 'soothsayer' was someone who spoke the truth or reality. The term has been used throughout history to describe individuals with supposed supernatural abilities to predict the future or interpret omens.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,498 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.