vaticinate
/vəˈtɪsɪˌneɪt/
VERB
1. To predict or foretell future events
To predict or declare what will happen in the future, especially through prophecy, intuition, or supernatural inspiration.
1.1. Predicting future events
To state or anticipate what is likely to happen in the future based on intuition, signs, insight, or prophetic ability.
Synonyms
- predict
- foretell
- forecast
- prognosticate
- prophesy
- presage
- augur
- foresee
- anticipate
Examples
- The old sage claimed to vaticinate future events by interpreting the stars.
- Few economists could vaticinate the sudden collapse of the financial market.
- The ancient oracle was believed to vaticinate the destinies of kings and nations.
Related Words
- prediction
- prophecy
- prognosis
- foreshadow
- prescience
- divination
- premonition
1.2. Foretelling through prophecy or supernatural insight
To reveal or announce future events as a prophet, oracle, or diviner, often claiming access to supernatural knowledge or divine inspiration.
Synonyms
- prophesy
- soothsay
- divine
- foretell
- prognosticate
- augur
- presage
Examples
- The priestess was asked to vaticinate the outcome of the approaching battle.
- The seer claimed to vaticinate the future through visions and dreams.
- During the ceremony, the oracle began to vaticinate a period of prosperity for the kingdom.
Related Words
1.3. Foreseeing or anticipating an outcome
To recognize or anticipate a future development before it occurs, particularly through careful judgment, intuition, or interpretation of present signs.
Synonyms
Examples
- The novelist seemed to vaticinate social changes that would emerge decades later.
- She managed to vaticinate the consequences of the company's risky decision.
- His ability to vaticinate emerging political trends earned him a reputation as an insightful analyst.
Related Words
- discern
- envision
- infer
- surmise
- foreshadow
- prescience
- intuition