Psychic: meaning, definitions and examples
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psychic
[ ˈsaɪkɪk ]
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 |
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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.
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.