Prophecy vs. Prophesy
“Prophecy” is a noun, while “prophesy” is a verb. Use “a prophecy” for a prediction or prophetic statement and “to prophesy” for the act of predicting or declaring what will happen.
Use “prophecy” as the noun and “prophesy” as the verb. A prophecy is a prediction; to prophesy is to predict or say what will happen.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| name a prediction or prophetic statement | prophecy (noun) | Use the noun. |
| describe the act of predicting or declaring what will happen | prophesy (verb) | Use the verb. |
| choose only by visual similarity | check the word class required by the sentence | The endings distinguish noun and verb. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Does the sentence need a noun naming a prediction or prophetic statement?
If yes: Use “prophecy.”
If no: If the sentence needs the verb meaning predict or declare what will happen, use “prophesy.”
Examples
The old prophecy was repeated in the story.
A noun is required, so “prophecy” fits.
The character claimed to prophesy future events.
A verb is required, so “prophesy” fits.
Her prophecy surprised the audience.
The word functions as a noun.
Further guidance
Pronunciation Boundary
The spellings also correspond to different final sounds in Cambridge’s pronunciations: prophecy ends with an /s/ sound, while prophesy ends with /saɪ/.
Word Class Boundary
“Prophecy” is a noun for a prediction or the ability to predict; “prophesy” is a verb meaning to say or predict that something will happen.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- prophecy — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Definition and noun role of prophecy
- prophesy — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Definition and verb role of prophesy