Oracle
'ɒrəkəl
Definitions
2 meaningsA person or thing believed to be a source of wise counsel or prophetic predictions.
'ɒrəkəl
A person or agency considered to be a source of wise counsel or prophetic predictions.
The Delphic oracle was consulted by Greek city-states before major decisions.
💡 Simply: Imagine a super wise person who can predict the future or give really good advice. They're like the oracle, someone we look up to for guidance.
👶 For kids: An oracle is someone who is super smart and can tell you what will happen in the future, kind of like a fortune teller!
More Examples
The CEO is considered an oracle by many in the industry regarding market trends.
Her grandmother was her personal oracle, always providing sound advice.
How It's Used
"The oracle at Delphi was consulted by ancient Greeks seeking advice on important matters."
"The author depicted the old woman as an oracle, whose cryptic pronouncements guided the protagonist."
"The CEO's pronouncements are considered oracles on the future of the company"
A place where prophecies were delivered or where divine guidance was sought.
'ɒrəkəl
A place where prophecies were made.
The oracle of Apollo at Delphi was famous for its ambiguous pronouncements.
💡 Simply: It's like a special place, maybe a temple or a cave, where people go to hear what the future holds.
👶 For kids: An oracle can also be a special place where people go to find out what will happen next!
More Examples
The temple served as an oracle, a site for seeking divine guidance.
Consulting the oracle was a crucial part of ancient religious practices.
How It's Used
"People journeyed to the oracle at Delphi to receive prophecies from Apollo."
"Silicon Valley has become an oracle for new tech companies."
Idioms & expressions
speak with an oracle
To receive guidance or advice from a revered source.
"Before making a decision, she always speaks with an oracle – her wise grandmother."
From Latin *oraculum* ('a divine announcement, prophecy'), derived from *orare* ('to speak, pray'). Its roots trace back to Proto-Indo-European, highlighting the act of uttering something as a form of communication.
Used extensively in ancient Greek and Roman contexts, referring to sites and individuals believed to communicate with deities and provide prophecies. Usage declined somewhat with the rise of monotheistic religions but continues to be used figuratively.
Memory tip
Think of a wise old person giving advice like an oracle.