clairvoyant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequencyFormal, literary, or relating to supernatural topics. Also used metaphorically.
Quick answer
What does “clairvoyant” mean?
A person who claims to have the power to see future events or gain knowledge about things that are not present.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who claims to have the power to see future events or gain knowledge about things that are not present; relating to such an ability.
A person who demonstrates unusually clear insight or foresight about a situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major spelling or usage differences. The term is understood and used similarly in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be used in a serious context regarding the supernatural in the UK, whereas in the US it may more often be used skeptically or metaphorically.
Frequency
Rare in both, with comparable frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “clairvoyant” in a Sentence
He was clairvoyant about something.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clairvoyant” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She had a clairvoyant dream about the election result.
American English
- His analysis was so accurate it seemed almost clairvoyant.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used literally. Metaphorically: "The CEO's clairvoyant decision to pivot saved the company."
Academic
Used in psychology, sociology, and religious studies to discuss claims of paranormal ability.
Everyday
Typically used to describe someone who seems to predict events accurately, often humorously or skeptically.
Technical
Parapsychology: a subject claiming extrasensory perception (ESP) of future events (precognition).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clairvoyant”
- Misspelling: 'clairvoiant', 'clairvoyent'.
- Confusing with 'clairvoyance' (the noun for the ability).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral in terms of sentiment but context-dependent. It can be positive when used metaphorically for keen insight, but can carry skepticism when referring to paranormal claims.
No, 'clairvoyant' is only a noun or an adjective. The related noun for the ability is 'clairvoyance'.
'Psychic' is a broader term for someone sensitive to supernatural forces, which may include telepathy or mediumship. 'Clairvoyant' specifically refers to the power of seeing future events or distant things.
It is a formal, literary, or technical term. In everyday conversation, people might use 'psychic' or 'fortune teller' more casually.
A person who claims to have the power to see future events or gain knowledge about things that are not present.
Clairvoyant: in British English it is pronounced /kleəˈvɔɪ.ənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /klerˈvɔɪ.ənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as if) with clairvoyant foresight”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CLAIRvoyant: Think of CLAIR, which sounds like 'clear', and VOYANT, which suggests 'seeing' (like 'voyage'). A person who sees things clearly beyond normal sight.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING IS SEEING (e.g., "I see what you mean."). A clairvoyant is someone who 'sees' the unknown.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'clairvoyant' used metaphorically?