Prophetic
/prəˈfɛtɪk/
Definitions
2 meaningsRelating to or characteristic of a prophet or prophecy; foretelling events.
/prəˈfɛtɪk/
Foreseeing or predicting future events
The author's prophetic novel eerily predicted the rise of technology.
💡 Simply: Imagine a fortune teller telling you something that's going to happen. Prophetic words are like that, predicting what will happen.
👶 For kids: Like a magic crystal ball, it means saying what will happen in the future!
More Examples
The scientists made a prophetic announcement about the impact of climate change.
Many believe the dream had a prophetic meaning.
How It's Used
"The oracle's prophetic visions foretold the king's downfall."
"Her prophetic words about the impending crisis came true."
Having the quality of being able to predict future events.
/prəˈfɛtɪk/
Seeming to predict the future
Her prophetic dream gave her a sense of dread.
💡 Simply: If someone says something that turns out to be true about the future, you could say it was prophetic.
👶 For kids: When something seems like it can see into the future and it's true.
More Examples
The prophetic words of the ancient text were surprisingly accurate.
The artist had a prophetic vision of a world consumed by fire.
How It's Used
"The scriptures contain prophetic verses about the messiah."
"His prophetic analysis of the market proved to be right."
From Late Latin *prophēticus*, from Greek *prophētikos*, from *prophētēs* meaning 'prophet'. Related to words signifying foretelling the future or possessing divine insight.
The term has been used since the 14th century, often in religious and literary contexts, describing those who could foresee the future, or the ability to foretell events.
Memory tip
Think of a prophet predicting the future; prophetic means relating to those predictions.