What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foretell
Example
The weatherman can foretell the weather for the next few days. [foretell: verb]
Example
Based on the current market trends, experts can foretell a recession in the near future. [foretell: verb]
prophesy
Example
The prophet prophesied that a great flood would come and destroy the city. [prophesied: past tense]
Example
The priest prophesied that the end of the world was near. [prophesied: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foretell is more commonly used than prophesy in everyday language. Foretell is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while prophesy is less common and is mostly used in religious or spiritual contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between foretell and prophesy?
Prophesy is more formal and has a more serious tone due to its religious or spiritual connotation. Foretell is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
