Extrasensory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ง
extrasensory
[หษkstrษหsษn.sษ.ri ]
Definition
psychic phenomena
The term 'extrasensory' refers to capacities or perceptions that go beyond the ordinary senses. It often pertains to abilities such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and other forms of psychic phenomena. Individuals claiming to possess extrasensory perception (ESP) are believed to receive information through means other than the recognized human senses. This concept often appears in discussions of metaphysics and paranormal studies, where it remains a controversial topic due to the lack of empirical evidence supporting such abilities.
Synonyms
intuitive, psychic, supernatural.
Examples of usage
- She believes she has extrasensory abilities.
- The researcher studied extrasensory perception in a controlled environment.
- Many claim to have experienced extrasensory phenomena.
- The book explores the concept of extrasensory communication.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Research in psychology questions the validity of extrasensory perception (ESP), leading to numerous experiments that often yield inconclusive results.
- Some scientists propose that certain animals may have capabilities that could be described as 'extrasensory' due to their heightened senses, like pigeons navigating long distances.
- In parapsychology, areas like telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition explore the possibilities of sensing information without the typical five senses.
Pop Culture
- Films and books frequently explore extrasensory abilities, with characters like psychics or superheroes often showcasing these powers.
- The 1977 film 'The Psychic' and its later adaptations portrayed a protagonist with extrasensory abilities solving crimes.
- Television shows like 'The Mentalist' and 'Psych' humorously and dramatically engage with the notion of extrasensory skill.
Psychology
- The study of extrasensory perception raises questions about cognitive processes and belief systems in how humans perceive reality.
- Cognitive biases such as the 'confirmation bias' often lead individuals to find meanings in events that may feel extrasensory but are actually coincidental.
- Experiments in psychology aim to differentiate between actual ESP and learned intuition, often resulting in mixed reports.
Literature
- Extrasensory themes feature prominently in works of fiction, exploring the boundaries of human experience and reality.
- Authors like Edgar Allan Poe and H.G. Wells incorporated elements of the supernatural and extrasensory phenomena into their storytelling.
- The genre of speculative fiction often discusses the implications of humans developing or possessing extrasensory abilities.
Origin of 'extrasensory'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin 'extra' meaning 'beyond' and 'sensus' meaning 'senses', creating a phrase that means beyond normal senses.
- It was popularized in the early 20th century, especially in discussions about psychic phenomena.
- The concept has roots in spiritual and mystical traditions throughout history.
The word 'extrasensory' combines the prefix 'extra-', meaning 'beyond', and 'sensory', which relates to the five human senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell). It originated in the early 20th century, gaining popularity particularly in the field of parapsychology. The notion of extrasensory perception emerged as researchers began to explore phenomena that defied traditional scientific understanding. The term was used to describe abilities that were thought to be beyond normal sensory capabilities, capturing public fascination in various cultures. As interest in the supernatural and the unknown grew during the mid-20th century, 'extrasensory' became more prevalent in literature, movies, and discussions related to human potential and consciousness.