Psychic: meaning, definitions and examples

🔮
Add to dictionary

psychic

 

[ ˈsaɪkɪk ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

ability to perceive information beyond the normal senses

A psychic is someone who claims to have the ability to perceive information beyond the normal human senses. This may include extrasensory perception (ESP), telepathy, or clairvoyance. Psychics may use different methods to tap into this information, such as tarot cards, crystal balls, or meditation.

Synonyms

clairvoyant, fortune teller, medium, seer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
psychic

Use in general terms when referring to someone with supernatural mental abilities to perceive or interpret beyond normal senses. Often considered neutral.

  • 'The psychic knew details about my past that I never shared with anyone
  • '
clairvoyant

Use when referring to someone who claims to have the specific ability to see future events or situations clearly. This term is often used to describe a heightened intuitive sense.

  • 'The clairvoyant predicted important changes in my life
  • '
medium

Use when referring to someone who acts as a conduit between the living and the spirit world, often used in contexts involving communication with the deceased.

  • 'The medium conducted a séance to help us communicate with our departed loved ones
  • '
seer

Use in more mystical or historical contexts, often referring to someone who has visions of the future or profound insights, generally considered neutral or positive.

  • 'The ancient seer foretold the rise of a great leader in the kingdom
  • '
fortune teller

Use in situations where someone uses tools such as tarot cards, palm readings, or crystal balls to predict the future. This term can sometimes have a negative or skeptical connotation.

  • 'I visited a fortune teller at the fair who told me I would come into some money soon
  • '

Examples of usage

  • She visited a psychic to get insights into her future.
  • The psychic predicted that something significant would happen next month.
Context #2 | Adjective

relating to the mind or mental processes

Psychic can also be used as an adjective to describe something related to the mind or mental processes, especially in terms of psychic abilities. It can refer to phenomena that are beyond the understanding of science or logic.

Synonyms

intuitive, mental, mystical, telepathic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
psychic

Used when referring to someone who claims to have the ability to perceive things beyond the normal senses, often related to the supernatural.

  • The psychic predicted that she would meet her soulmate soon
  • People often visit psychics to gain insight about their future
mental

Refers to anything related to the mind or cognitive functions. Can also imply something abstract or not physical.

  • Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being
  • He experienced a mental block during the exam
intuitive

Used to describe someone who understands or knows something based on feelings rather than facts or proof.

  • She has an intuitive sense that something is wrong
  • His intuitive decision-making often leads to successful outcomes
telepathic

Refers to the supposed ability to communicate thoughts or feelings directly from one mind to another without using speech, writing, or other usual methods.

  • The twins seemed to have a telepathic connection
  • They claimed to have telepathic abilities
mystical

Used to describe something that has a sense of mystery, can be spiritual or magical, often beyond ordinary understanding.

  • The ancient ritual had a mystical aura
  • She spoke of a mystical connection with the universe

Examples of usage

  • She had a psychic experience that she couldn't explain.
  • There is a psychic connection between them that is hard to define.

Translations

Translations of the word "psychic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 psíquico

🇮🇳 मनोविज्ञानिक

🇩🇪 psychisch

🇮🇩 psikis

🇺🇦 психічний

🇵🇱 psychiczny

🇯🇵 精神的な

🇫🇷 psychique

🇪🇸 psíquico

🇹🇷 psişik

🇰🇷 정신적인

🇸🇦 نفسي

🇨🇿 psychický

🇸🇰 psychický

🇨🇳 心理的

🇸🇮 psihični

🇮🇸 sálrænn

🇰🇿 психикалық

🇬🇪 ფსიქიკური

🇦🇿 psixik

🇲🇽 psíquico

Etymology

The word 'psychic' originated from the Greek word 'psychikos', meaning 'of the soul' or 'mental'. It has been used in English since the mid-19th century to describe individuals with paranormal abilities. The concept of psychics has been a subject of fascination and skepticism throughout history, with debates about the existence and validity of psychic phenomena.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,821 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.