Prophetic
mediumNeutral tonepruh-FET-ik
adjective
Definition
Accurately describing or predicting what will happen in the future
Memory hook
A PROPHET speaks BEFORE events happen — prophetic means accurately predicting the future.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“His prophetic warning about the company proved accurate.”
“The novel was prophetic in its vision of future technology.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“His ______ warning about the company proved accurate.”
Show answer
prophetic
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Prophetic is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "prescient" or "oracular" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "mistaken".
Related GRE Words
prescient
Having knowledge of events before they take place; prophetic
augur
To foretell or predict, especially from signs or omens; a prophet or soothsayer
idealistic
Characterized by idealism; unrealistically aiming for perfection
prognosticate
To foretell or prophesy future events
utopian
Modeled on or aiming for a state in which everything is perfect; idealistic
foretoken
A sign of something to come; an omen
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