Prophecy vs Prophesy
What’s the difference between them?
Prophecy
Meaning:
A prophecy is a prediction of the future.
Examples:
1. The ancient prophecy predicted the rise of a great leader.
2. The seer's prophecy of doom and gloom came true.
3. I had a strange dream that felt like a prophecy.
Prophesy
Meaning:
To make or deliver a prophecy, or to predict the future.
Examples:
1. The oracle spoke of dire consequences if the prophecy was not fulfilled.
2. The witch doctor uttered a strange prophesy that none could understand.
3. The fortune-teller's prophesy came true and everyone was amazed.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Prophecy
1. Prediction
2. Presage
3. Forecast
4. Omen
5. Portent
1. Reality
2. Fact
3. Denial
4. Doubt
5. Reversal
Prophesy
1. Forecast
2. augur
3. predict
4. presage
5. portend
1. Deny
2. Disregard
3. Dismiss
4. Doubt
5. Disbelieve
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "prophecy", "prophesy".
1.Remember that both words have to do with speaking about the future, but prophecy is a noun and prophesy is a verb.
2. Think of prophecy as a prediction or a promise made by a prophet, while prophesying is the act of making a prediction or promise.
3. The root of both words is the same: the Greek word prophetēs, which means 'one who speaks for a god.'
4. Prophecy has two syllables and prophesy has three.
5. To help you remember the difference, use a mnemonic like: Prophecy is the future you can see, prophesy is the action of speaking it.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When to use the first word 'prophecy'?
Prophecy is a noun that refers to a prediction of the future made by a prophet or other authoritative figure. It is typically used when referring to the predictions of a single individual, though it can also refer to a collective group's predictions. For example, one might say 'The prophecy of the wise man proved to be accurate.'
When to use the second word 'prophesy'?
Prophesy is a verb that means to make predictions about the future. It is typically used when referring to the predictions of a single individual, though it can also refer to a collective group's predictions. For example, one might say 'The prophet prophesied a great storm.'
Do the words have the same pronunciation?
No, the words have different pronunciation. Prophecy is pronounced 'pro-feh-see' while prophesy is pronounced 'pro-feh-sai'.
What are common mistakes associated with words 'prophecy,' 'prophesy'?
One common mistake is substituting the wrong word when writing. Remember that prophecy is a noun and prophesy is a verb. Additionally, many people confuse the two words when it comes to pronunciation. Be sure to pronounce prophecy as 'pro-feh-see' and prophesy as 'pro-feh-sai'.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The ancient _______ of doom frightened the villagers.
2. The seer was renowned for her ability to _______ the future.
3. The ______ of the war was foretold by a witch.
4. The fortune-teller could not _______ what would happen.
5. The _______ was written in a book of omens.
6. The soothsayer could not accurately _______ the future.
1. The prophecy of doom frightened the villagers.
Explanation: A prophecy is a prediction of the future, often made by a religious figure or a prophet.
2. The seer was renowned for her ability to prophesy the future.
Explanation: To prophesy means to make a prediction about an event which will occur in the future.
3. The prophecy of the war was foretold by a witch.
Explanation: A prophecy is a prediction of the future, often made by a religious figure or a prophet.
4. The fortune-teller could not prophesy what would happen.
Explanation: To prophesy means to make a prediction about an event which will occur in the future.
5. The prophecy was written in a book of omens.
Explanation: A prophecy is a prediction of the future, often made by a religious figure or a prophet.
6. The soothsayer could not accurately prophesy the future.
Explanation: To prophesy means to make a prediction about an event which will occur in the future.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.