What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foretold
Example
The fortune teller foretold that I would meet my soulmate soon. [foretold: verb]
Example
The ancient texts foretold of a great flood that would come to pass. [foretold: past participle]
prophesied
Example
The prophet prophesied that a great war would come to pass. [prophesied: verb]
Example
The holy book prophesied the coming of a savior who would bring peace to the world. [prophesied: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foretold is more commonly used than prophesied in everyday language. Foretold is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while prophesied is less common and often reserved for religious or spiritual contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between foretold and prophesied?
While foretold is typically associated with a neutral and informal tone, prophesied is more formal and often reserved for religious or spiritual contexts.
