prophet
prophet — noun
1. a person through whom a god delivers teachings, warnings, or announcements to a
a person through whom a god delivers teachings, warnings, or announcements to a community, often including predictions about what is going to happen
A prophet stood before the crowd and delivered a warning about the coming flood.
prophet + delivers + message
Adina learned that a true prophet in her tradition never seeks personal fame or wealth.
true prophet + in [one's] tradition
The old prophet warned the king that the drought would last seven years.
Scholars still study the writings of ancient prophets from many different cultures.
The villagers believed the prophet received visions through dreams sent by the gods.
用法筆記
In many religious traditions, a prophet is distinguished from a priest — a prophet brings new messages from the divine, while a priest leads rituals. This sense can refer to figures from Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and other faith traditions.
常見錯誤
2. a person who actively spreads or champions a new idea, system, or approach, espe
a person who actively spreads or champions a new idea, system, or approach, especially before most people accept it
Kian became known as a prophet of digital privacy after his book reached millions.
prophet of + [cause]
The scientist was called a prophet of climate action years before the topic went mainstream.
Sora found himself a reluctant prophet of workplace change when his ideas spread across the company.
Many dismissed Emre as a dreamer, but time proved the young prophet right about urban farming.
- critic
one who points out flaws rather than promotes a vision
文法句型
prophet + of + [cause/movement]
用法筆記
Often followed by 'of' plus a cause, movement, or field (e.g. 'a prophet of free trade', 'a prophet of educational reform'). Carries a positive connotation of foresight and influence.
常見錯誤
3. the name and title given to Muhammad, who received the Quran from God and founde
the name and title given to Muhammad, who received the Quran from God and founded the Islamic faith
The Prophet Muhammad meditated in a cave near Mecca and received the first verses of the Quran.
capitalised title: the Prophet + [full name]
Muslims around the world try to follow the example of the Prophet in their daily lives.
Stories about the Prophet's kindness and honesty are told to children across many cultures.
Muslims believe the Prophet was chosen by God to deliver the final message to humanity.
- Messenger of God
another common title for Muhammad in Islamic tradition; emphasises his role as a bearer of scripture
用法筆記
Always capitalised as 'the Prophet' when referring specifically to Muhammad. In Islamic tradition, prophets before Muhammad (including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus) are also respected, but 'the Prophet' alone refers to Muhammad.
4. someone who says they can see upcoming events before they happen, often without
someone who says they can see upcoming events before they happen, often without a recognised religious role
Paloma smiled when the street prophet told her she would cross three oceans one day.
street prophet (informal collocation)
The self-proclaimed prophet predicted that a major earthquake would strike the capital within a month.
Arjun ignored the prophet at the market who claimed to see disasters in his crystal ball.
Zuri laughed when the prophet said she would marry someone from a faraway land.
- fortune-teller
more common in everyday English; less dramatic in tone
- predictor
neutral term, often used for data or science-based forecasts
- soothsayer
old-fashioned or literary term for one who tells the future
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1, this sense can carry a skeptical or dismissive tone — the person's claim to know the future is not necessarily respected or believed. Often used with modifiers like 'self-proclaimed' or 'street'.