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Soothsayer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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soothsayer

[ˈsuːθseɪər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fortune telling

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

Synonyms

oracle, prophet, seer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
soothsayer

Refers to someone who predicts the future based on intuition or mystical abilities. Typically used in historic or fantasy settings.

  • The village soothsayer warned the townsfolk of the coming storm.
  • She visited a soothsayer to learn about her future.
prophet

Denotes someone who is believed to receive messages from a divine power, usually in a religious context. It is commonly used to describe figures in the Bible or other religious texts.

  • Moses is considered a prophet in many religions.
  • The prophet's words were written down and revered by his followers.
seer

Refers to someone who claims to see visions of the future or other hidden aspects of reality. This term can be used in both historical and fantasy contexts, as well as modern metaphoric use.

  • The seer stared into her crystal ball and described what she saw.
  • People came from far and wide to hear the seer's visions.
oracle

Often used to describe a person or entity that provides wise and insightful predictions, frequently linked to ancient times and divine communication.

  • The oracle of Delphi was famous for her prophecies.
  • They sought an oracle to gain insight into their fate.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
soothsayer

Best used in modern contexts when referring to a person who predicts the future, typically in a general, mystical or folkloric sense.

  • The soothsayer warned the villagers about the impending storm.
  • In the story, the hero consults a soothsayer for guidance.
augur

Most appropriate in historical contexts, or when discussing ancient Roman society or traditions related to interpreting omens.

  • The augur read the flight patterns of birds to advise the emperor.
  • In ancient Rome, senators often sought the counsel of an augur before making decisions.
haruspex

Best used in very specific historical or scholarly contexts related to ancient Roman practices of divination through the inspection of animal entrails.

  • The haruspex examined the liver of the sacrificed animal to predict the outcome of the battle.
  • Haruspices played an important role in Roman rituals.

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Soothsayers appear throughout classic literature, notably in Shakespeare's plays like 'Julius Caesar,' where a soothsayer warns Caesar of his fate.
  • In many folktales, the soothsayer provides crucial guidance to heroes on their journeys.
  • The imagery of soothsayers often involves mystical elements, such as crystal balls or tarot cards.

History

  • Ancient cultures, including the Greeks and Romans, often consulted soothsayers for guidance before making important decisions.
  • A famous soothsayer in history is the Oracle of Delphi, who was believed to deliver messages from the gods.
  • In medieval Europe, soothsayers were sometimes accused of witchcraft and faced persecution.

Pop Culture

  • Soothsayers and fortune tellers are popular characters in movies and books, often portrayed as mysterious figures with special powers.
  • Modern adaptations commonly depict them as quirky personalities, often with humorous or exaggerated traits.
  • In video games, characters labeled as soothsayers often provide vital quests or insights into the game’s storyline.

Psychology

  • People often seek out soothsayers due to a mix of hope, curiosity, and the desire for control over their future.
  • Believing in predictions can provide comfort, especially in times of uncertainty or stress.
  • The phenomenon of interpreting vague statements as personal insights is explained by the Barnum effect in psychology.

Origin of 'soothsayer'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English, where 'sooth' means truth and 'sayer' means speaker.
  • It has roots in the Gothic language, emphasizing its long-standing use in European history.
  • The term has been used since at least the 14th century in English literature.

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.