oracle
pronunciation
How to pronounce oracle in British English:
UK [ˈɒrəkl]
How to pronounce oracle in American English:
US [ˈɔːrəkl]
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- Noun:
- an authoritative person who divines the future
- a prophecy (usually obscure or allegorical) revealed by a priest or priestess; believed to be infallible
- a shrine where an oracular god is consulted
Word Origin
- oracle
- oracle: see orator
- oracle (n.)
- late 14c., "a message from a god, expressed by divine inspiration," from Old French oracle "temple, house of prayer; oracle" (12c.) and directly from Latin oraculum "divine announcement, oracle; place where oracles are given," from orare "pray, plead" (see orator), with material instrumental suffix -culo-. In antiquity, "the agency or medium of a god," also "the place where such divine utterances were given." This sense is attested in English from c. 1400.
Example
- 1. It 's like interpreting an oracle 's pronouncements .
- 2. Ancient delphi was the site of apollo 's oracle , believed to be inspired by the god to utter truths .
- 3. He went on to the war despite of the prediction of his death at this very battle by the oracle of delphi .
- 4. So much for a blind obedience to a blundering oracle , throwing the stones over their heads behind them , and not seeing where they fell .
- 5. Although his former bosses from the clinton treasury are going back to washington next month , he says the role of outside oracle suits him best .