cryptesthesia: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low / ObscureTechnical / Parapsychology
Quick answer
What does “cryptesthesia” mean?
A supposed paranormal or extrasensory faculty of perception.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A supposed paranormal or extrasensory faculty of perception.
A concept in parapsychology denoting the ability to perceive information beyond the normal range of the senses, such as in clairvoyance or telepathy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant geographical difference in usage, as the term is restricted to a niche technical field. Spelling follows the international scientific convention.
Connotations
Invariably associated with paranormal research and pseudoscience. The term itself is neutral, but its referent is highly contested.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both dialects, appearing almost exclusively in texts on parapsychology or critiques thereof.
Grammar
How to Use “cryptesthesia” in a Sentence
[Subject] exhibits/possesses cryptesthesiaThe phenomenon of cryptesthesiaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cryptesthesia” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cryptesthetic faculty was reportedly active during the séance.
- Researchers studied cryptesthetic phenomena.
American English
- The cryptesthetic faculty was reportedly active during the séance.
- Researchers studied cryptesthetic phenomena.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in a narrow subset of parapsychology studies; mainstream science rejects the term.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term within parapsychological literature to describe a class of alleged psychic phenomena.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cryptesthesia”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cryptesthesia”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cryptesthesia”
- Misspelling as 'cryptestesia' (missing the 'h').
- Using it as a general synonym for 'intuition'.
- Pronouncing the 'th' as in 'thin' (it's voiced /ð/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, cryptesthesia is not accepted by the mainstream scientific community. It is a concept studied within parapsychology, which is generally considered a pseudoscience due to a lack of replicable evidence under controlled conditions.
Cryptesthesia is a broader, more technical term encompassing all forms of extrasensory perception. Clairvoyance is a specific type of cryptesthesia referring to the paranormal acquisition of information about an object, person, location, or event.
In British English: /ˌkrɪptɪsˈθiːzɪə/ (kript-is-THEE-zee-uh). In American English: /ˌkrɪptəsˈθiʒə/ (kript-uhs-THEE-zhuh). The key difference is the middle vowel and the final sound ('zee-uh' vs. 'zhuh').
No, 'cryptesthesia' is exclusively a noun. The related adjective is 'cryptesthetic'. There is no standard verb form.
A supposed paranormal or extrasensory faculty of perception.
Cryptesthesia is usually technical / parapsychology in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CRYPTic' + 'esthesia' (sensation) = a hidden or secret sense.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERCEPTION IS A RECEPTACLE (e.g., 'He possesses cryptesthesia').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'cryptesthesia' primarily used?