Psychic: meaning, definitions and examples
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psychic
[ˈsaɪkɪk ]
Definitions
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?
| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- She visited a psychic to get insights into her future.
- The psychic predicted that something significant would happen next month.
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?
| 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.
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| mental |
Refers to anything related to the mind or cognitive functions. Can also imply something abstract or not physical.
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| intuitive |
Used to describe someone who understands or knows something based on feelings rather than facts or proof.
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| 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.
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| mystical |
Used to describe something that has a sense of mystery, can be spiritual or magical, often beyond ordinary understanding.
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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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word has Greek roots, deriving from 'psychikos,' meaning 'of the mind' or 'soul.'
- It was first used in English in the 19th century to describe individuals believed to have special mental abilities.
Cultural Beliefs
- Many cultures throughout history have believed in psychic abilities, from ancient oracle practices in Greece to shamanism in various indigenous communities.
- The concept of clairvoyance, or the ability to gain information through extrasensory perception, is often linked to psychic phenomena.
Science and Psychology
- While many scientists are skeptical, some psychologists study beliefs in psychic abilities to understand cognitive biases and perceptions.
- The placebo effect showcases how belief alone can influence experience and outcomes, similar to claims made about psychic predictions.
Pop Culture
- Movies like 'The Sixth Sense' and 'Minority Report' have popularized psychic themes, often portraying them as both powerful and controversial.
- Television shows such as 'Psychic Detectives' blend crime-solving with psychic claims, sparking debates about the legitimacy of these abilities.
Historical Figures
- Edgar Cayce, often called the 'Sleeping Prophet,' is famous for his psychic readings on health and wellness during the early 20th century.
- Madame Blavatsky founded the Theosophical Society and claimed to have psychical powers that revealed spiritual truths.
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