Definition

A person, place, or utterance believed to provide wise counsel or prophetic predictions, historically a priest or priestess through whom gods were thought to speak; in modern usage, any authoritative or trusted source of information or wisdom.

Example Usage

She had become the oracle of the friend group, always giving the advice everyone wanted to hear.

Origin

From Latin 'ลrฤre' (to speak); originally referred to shrines where priests interpreted divine will in ancient Greece and Rome.

Fun Fact

The Oracle of Delphi in ancient Greece was so famous for its cryptic prophecies that city-states would send envoys seeking guidance on major decisions.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

Related Terms