Telepathy: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'telepathy' when referring to a form of communication where thoughts or feelings are transmitted between people without speaking or using any known sensory channels.

• They claimed to communicate through telepathy.
• The scientist was studying telepathy to understand its potential.

Use 'mind reading' to describe the ability to know another person’s thoughts. It often has a sensational or fictional connotation.

• She had an uncanny ability for mind reading.
• In many science fiction stories, characters have the power of mind reading.

Use 'mental communication' to describe a broader concept of exchanging information or thoughts directly between minds, not necessarily limited to psychic phenomena.

• They shared a deep mental communication, understanding each other's thoughts without words.
• Mental communication between twins is often described in stories.

Use 'thought transference' in formal or scientific discussions about the process of transferring thoughts or feelings from one person to another without verbal communication.

• The researchers conducted experiments on thought transference.
• Some people believe in thought transference as a form of psychic ability.