What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
precognition
Example
She had a precognition of the car accident before it happened. [precognition: noun]
Example
He claimed to have precognitive abilities and could predict future events. [precognitive: adjective]
prophecy
Example
The prophecy foretold of a great flood that would destroy the city. [prophecy: noun]
Example
The prophet claimed to have received a divine prophecy about the end of the world. [prophecy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prophecy is more commonly used than precognition in everyday language, especially in religious or spiritual contexts. Precognition is less common and may be seen as a more niche or specialized term.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between precognition and prophecy?
Prophecy is often associated with a formal or religious tone, while precognition may be used in more casual or informal settings, especially when discussing personal experiences or intuition.