How to pronounce prophesy
Say it like PROF-ih-sy. Prophesy has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PROF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce prophesy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PROF
- ih
- sy
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Prophesy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PROFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- syKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of prophesy
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: PROF-ih-sy.
What does prophesy mean?
- To speak or write with divine inspiration; to act as prophet.
- To predict, to foretell (with or without divine inspiration).
- To foreshow; to herald; to prefigure.
Where does prophesy come from?
From Middle English prophecien; partly from prophecie, and partly from Middle French prophecier, prophesier, from prophecie (“prophecy”).
Questions about saying prophesy
How do you pronounce prophesy?
Say PROF-ih-sy. The American pronunciation is /ˈprɑfɪsaɪ/. In British English it is /ˈprɒfɪsaɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in prophesy?
Prophesy has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PROF). Broken into parts: PROF · ih · sy.
Is prophesy pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈprɒfɪsaɪ/ (PROF-ih-sy).