bilocation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare / SpecialisedTechnical / Formal / Literary
Quick answer
What does “bilocation” mean?
The supposed ability to be in two places at the same time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The supposed ability to be in two places at the same time.
A concept, often found in religious, mystical, or paranormal contexts, describing the phenomenon of a person or object simultaneously existing or appearing in two distinct locations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word strongly connotes the supernatural, mysticism, or religious miracles. It is not used in everyday contexts.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, with perhaps marginally higher occurrence in British writing due to historical religious texts.
Grammar
How to Use “bilocation” in a Sentence
[Subject] + [verb] + bilocationbilocation + of + [person/entity][Person/entity] + experienced + bilocationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bilocation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The mystic was said to bilocate, appearing to give solace in both the chapel and the sickroom.
American English
- Accounts claim the saint could bilocate, attending mass while also praying in her cell.
adjective
British English
- They investigated the bilocational experiences described in the medieval manuscript.
American English
- The phenomenon was labeled a bilocational event by the research team.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theological studies, history of religion, and parapsychology papers to describe a specific claimed phenomenon.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be used only in discussions of the supernatural or as an erudite metaphor.
Technical
The primary context. A technical term in mysticism, parapsychology, and hagiography.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bilocation”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bilocation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bilocation”
- Misspelling as 'bi-location' (hyphen is uncommon in modern use).
- Using it to describe a fast commute or frequent travel.
- Pronouncing it /bɪlɒˈkeɪʃən/ (confusing the first syllable with 'bill').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, bilocation is not recognized or proven by mainstream science. It is a concept from mysticism, religion, and paranormal claims.
Yes, but it's very rare and literary. One might say, 'As a CEO of two companies, he performed a kind of corporate bilocation,' to creatively emphasise extreme busyness in two roles.
Teleportation involves moving instantly from one place to another. Bilocation involves being present in two places simultaneously for a period of time.
Yes, several Catholic saints like Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint Alphonsus Liguori, and more recently, Padre Pio, have legends of bilocation attributed to them.
The supposed ability to be in two places at the same time.
Bilocation is usually technical / formal / literary in register.
Bilocation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbʌɪlə(ʊ)ˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪloʊˈkeɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BI-' meaning 'two' (as in bicycle) + 'LOCATION'. Two locations at once.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEING IN TWO PLACES IS A SUPERNATURAL GIFT. THE BODY IS NOT BOUND BY SPACE.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'bilocation' MOST likely to be used?