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Clairvoyance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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clairvoyance

[klɛˈrvɔɪəns ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

psychic ability

The ability to perceive events in the future or beyond normal sensory contact.

Synonyms

extrasensory perception, intuition, precognition.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clairvoyance

Usually used in contexts where someone is believed to have the ability to see or sense things that are not visible or discernible to others, often connected with the supernatural.

  • The fortune teller claimed to have clairvoyance and could see into our future
precognition

Typically used in contexts referring to the ability to see or predict future events, often associated with dreams or visions.

  • He had a dream about the accident before it happened, which he believed was precognition
extrasensory perception

Often used in scientific or pseudoscientific discussions when referring to the perception of information without the involvement of known sensory processes.

  • The study aimed to test whether extrasensory perception is a legitimate phenomenon
intuition

Commonly used in everyday language to describe a natural ability to understand or know something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning.

  • She had a strong intuition that her friend was in trouble

Examples of usage

  • She has clairvoyance and can predict the outcome of situations.
  • His clairvoyance allows him to see things that others cannot.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Beliefs

  • Many cultures have beliefs about visionaries or mediums who claim to have this ability, often tied to spiritual traditions.
  • In some Indigenous cultures, shamans are believed to possess clairvoyant powers, helping connect with the spirit world for guidance.

Pop Culture

  • Clairvoyance is a popular theme in literature and movies, often depicted as characters with supernatural insights or visions.
  • Television shows and films like 'The Sixth Sense' and 'Medium' explore the idea of people who can see beyond the ordinary.

Science and Skepticism

  • Despite its popularity, there is no scientific evidence supporting the existence of clairvoyance; many consider it a pseudoscience.
  • Studies have been conducted to test the phenomenon, but results have often been inconclusive or attributed to chance.

Psychology

  • Some psychologists argue that the belief in clairvoyance stems from cognitive biases, where individuals remember accurate predictions and forget inaccuracies.
  • The placebo effect can also play a role, where belief in a clairvoyant's abilities can lead to a psychological response that feels real.

Origin of 'clairvoyance'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from French, where 'clair' means clear and 'voyance' refers to seeing.
  • In the early 19th century, it began to be used in spiritual contexts, describing a supposed ability to perceive the future or hidden knowledge.

The word 'clairvoyance' originates from the French words 'clair' (clear) and 'voyance' (vision). It is a term used to describe the ability to gain information about an object, person, location, or physical event through extrasensory perception. The concept of clairvoyance has been present in various cultures and belief systems throughout history, with individuals claiming to possess this psychic ability. While scientifically unproven, the idea of clairvoyance continues to fascinate and intrigue people around the world.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,514, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.