English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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prophesy +‎ -ize

Verb

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prophesize (third-person singular simple present prophesizes, present participle prophesizing, simple past and past participle prophesized)

  1. (proscribed) To prophesy
    • 1963, Bob Dylan (lyrics and music), “The Times They Are A-Changin'”, in The Times They Are A-Changin'[1]:
      Come writers and critics // Who prophesize with your pen // And keep your eyes wide // The chance won’t come again

Usage notes

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  • The use of this word is frowned upon by many authorities including the Columbia Guide to Standard American English. [2]

Further reading

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