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Precognition: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "precognition" in other languages:

🇵🇹 precognição

🇮🇳 पूर्वज्ञान

🇩🇪 Vorausschau

🇮🇩 prakognisi

🇺🇦 передбачення

🇵🇱 prekognicja

🇯🇵 予知

🇫🇷 précognition

🇪🇸 precognición

🇹🇷 önsezi

🇰🇷 예지

🇸🇦 استبصار

🇨🇿 předtucha

🇸🇰 predtucha

🇨🇳 预知

🇸🇮 predznanje

🇮🇸 forspá

🇰🇿 алдын ала білу

🇬🇪 წინასწარმეტყველება

🇦🇿 öncədən görmə

🇲🇽 precognición

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.