Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Precognition Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔮
Add to dictionary

precognition

[pri-kog-nish-uh n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

ability prediction

The supposed ability to foresee events in the future before they actually happen. It is often considered a form of extrasensory perception (ESP) or psychic ability.

Synonyms

foreknowledge, foresight, intuition, prophesy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
precognition

Used when referring to the ability to know something before it happens, often in a supernatural or paranormal context.

  • She claimed to have precognition and foresaw the accident.
  • His precognition about the event was uncanny.
foresight

Describes the ability to predict or plan for the future, often through careful thinking or wisdom.

  • His foresight in investing early in the company paid off.
  • Good leaders are known for their foresight and strategic planning.
foreknowledge

Refers to having knowledge of something before it happens, often implying natural means such as inside information.

  • The police had foreknowledge of the planned robbery.
  • Her foreknowledge of the surprise party was due to an overheard conversation.
intuition

Describes a natural ability to understand or know something without the need for conscious reasoning, often seen as instinctual.

  • She had an intuition that something was wrong.
  • Relying on intuition, he made a quick decision.

Examples of usage

  • The psychic claimed to have precognition and predicted the outcome of the election.
  • Many people believe in the existence of precognition despite the lack of scientific evidence.
  • She experienced a vivid dream that seemed to be a case of precognition.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • While many claim to experience precognition, scientific studies have produced mixed results, leading to skepticism.
  • The phenomenon is often examined in the field of parapsychology, where researchers explore unexplained mental phenomena.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Many cultures have myths and legends featuring prophets or seers who could predict the future.
  • In the modern era, precognition has been depicted in films and books, often linked to psychic abilities, like in 'Minority Report' or 'The Dead Zone'.

Psychology

  • Some psychologists suggest that what feels like precognition could be the brain's ability to identify patterns and make educated guesses.
  • The concept challenges our understanding of time and consciousness, raising questions about the nature of reality.

Literature

  • In literature, precognition is often used as a plot device, creating suspense and intrigue as characters navigate their foreseen fates.
  • Notable works featuring precognitive elements include Shakespeare’s 'Macbeth', where the witches' prophecies set the course for future events.

Origin of 'precognition'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from Latin roots: 'pre-' meaning 'before' and 'cognitio' meaning 'knowledge'.
  • The word was popularized in the early 20th century, reflecting growing interest in psychic phenomena and the paranormal.

The term 'precognition' originated from the Latin word 'praecognitio', which means 'foreknowledge'. The concept of precognition has been a subject of interest and debate for centuries, with various cultures and belief systems exploring the idea of predicting the future. In modern times, precognition is often associated with paranormal phenomena and psychic abilities, although scientific evidence supporting its existence remains inconclusive.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,164, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.