prophets
/ˈprɒfɪts/
noun
Origin
Ancient Greek
prophetes — one who speaks forth or declares
Overview
Meaning Now
- Persons who are believed to be inspired by a deity to write or reveal divine will or future events.
- People who predict important future events or trends.
Literal older meaning
those who speak forth
Language path
Ancient Greek → Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
prophetes
Earliest period
Classical Antiquity
Journey
The term has evolved from a general sense of being a 'spokesperson' in Greek civic or religious life to a specific theological designation in Abrahamic religions, denoting those who communicate the direct will of God to humanity.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
prophetes
“spokesperson, one who speaks before others”
Derived from 'pro-' (before) and 'phenai' (to speak)
- Latin
propheta
“prophet, seer”
Borrowed from Greek into Latin religious contexts
- Old French
profet
“prophet”
- Middle English
prophet
“a diviner or messenger of God”
Connections
Word parts
pro-
prefix
before, forth
phet
root
to speak
-s
suffix
plural marker
Related across languages
German
Prophet
prophet
French
prophète
prophet
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Related to prophets
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.