Prophet and Profit Sound Alike and Mean Nothing Alike
A prophet speaks for a god or foretells events. Profit is money gained, and confusing the two produces some memorable typing errors.
A prophet is someone who speaks for a divine power, or who foresees what is coming. The Greek *prophetes* means one who speaks before or on behalf of, and the speaking is the older idea — foretelling came second. Its homophone *profit* is unrelated, from Latin for progress or gain.
- Someone who speaks for a god. *A prophet of the Old Testament.*
- Someone who predicts. *A prophet of decline.*
- An advocate of something. *A prophet of free trade.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | prophet | A minor prophet. |
| Plural | prophets | The prophets. |
| Female | prophetess | A prophetess. |
| Verb | prophesy | He prophesied ruin. |
| Noun | prophecy | An old prophecy. |
How it is used in a sentence
- A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country.A biblical saying about being ignored at home.
- She prophesied the crash two years early.The verb ends in -sy.
- The prophecy was never fulfilled.The noun ends in -cy.
Prophecy or prophesy?
- Prophecy — the noun, ending in -cy
- Prophesy — the verb, ending in -sy
- Prophet — the person
- Profit — money gained, unrelated
- Self-fulfilling prophecy — a prediction that brings itself about
From Greek *prophetes*, one who speaks for another, from *pro*, before or on behalf of, and *phanai*, to speak. *Profit* comes from Latin *proficere*, to make progress.
Prophecy or prophesy?
Prophecy with a c is the thing foretold. Prophesy with an s is the act of foretelling, and it rhymes with sigh.
Prophet or profit?
A prophet speaks; a profit is money. They sound the same and share no history.