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Psychical Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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psychical

[ˈsaɪkɪkəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

relating to the mind

Psychical refers to aspects or phenomena related to the mind or psyche, often dealing with mental processes, states, or emotional conditions. It is commonly used in discussions about psychology and mental health. The term can also pertain to abilities or experiences that are beyond the physical realm, often implying a connection to spiritual or supernatural elements.

Synonyms

cognitive, emotional, mental, psychological.

Examples of usage

  • She studied psychical phenomena during her research.
  • The psychical state of the patient improved with therapy.
  • Many psychical theories explore the nature of consciousness.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, psychical experiences refer to emotions and thoughts that impact behavior and wellbeing.
  • The study of psychical phenomena often overlaps with exploration of paranormal activities or heightened mental states.
  • Mindfulness practices aim to enhance psychical awareness, helping individuals connect with their thoughts and feelings.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and books often depict psychical abilities, such as telepathy or clairvoyance, illustrating characters with special mental powers.
  • Many popular films in the horror genre explore psychical themes, emphasizing the fear of the unknown aspects of the mind.
  • Reality TV shows have emerged, highlighting individuals who claim to have psychical abilities, blurring lines between entertainment and belief.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have debated the connection between the psychical and the physical, pondering whether thoughts truly influence the material world.
  • Some theories propose that mental states can affect physiological processes, suggesting an intricate link between mind and body.
  • Existentialist thinkers often explore the psychical dimensions of human existence, considering individual perception as central to reality.

Spirituality

  • In spiritual beliefs, psychical abilities are often associated with intuition and the concept of a sixth sense.
  • Practices like meditation and psychic reading aim to access deeper levels of consciousness, suggesting a connection to the psychical realm.
  • Many cultures have traditions of psychical healing, where mental and spiritual health are intertwined, believed to impact overall wellness.

Origin of 'psychical'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'psychikos', meaning 'of the soul' or 'of the mind'.
  • It was first used in English in the late 19th century to describe phenomena related to mental abilities.
  • The suffix 'ical' often implies a relation to a subject, making 'psychical' reference the nature of the mind.

The term 'psychical' has its roots in the Greek word 'psyche', which means 'soul' or 'mind'. In the 19th century, the word began to gain prominence as psychology emerged as a formal discipline, exploring the nature of the mind, behavior, and emotions. The suffix '-cal' suggests a relationship to the subject being discussed. Over time, 'psychical' has been adopted in various contexts, often intertwining with discussions of spirituality and the paranormal. As psychology evolved, the use of the word became more specialized, distinguishing between mental processes and supernatural claims. This evolution reflects the changing understanding of the mind's role in human behavior and experience.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,262, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.