extrasensory perception
C2Formal, Scientific (Parapsychology), Literary
Definition
Meaning
The supposed ability to perceive things beyond the normal five senses, such as through telepathy or clairvoyance.
A concept in parapsychology referring to the reception of information not gained through recognized physical senses but sensed with the mind.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often abbreviated as ESP. The term is used both descriptively (to label a claimed phenomenon) and critically (to discuss its validity). Implies a non-physical, mental faculty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The spelling 'parapsychology' is consistent. 'ESP' is the common abbreviation in both regions.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of the paranormal, pseudoscience, or science fiction. In serious academic contexts (e.g., parapsychology departments), it is a neutral technical term.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to larger popular culture discourse on paranormal topics, but the difference is marginal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to have extrasensory perceptionto believe in extrasensory perceptionresearch into extrasensory perceptionthe existence of extrasensory perceptionVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A sixth sense”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used. Might appear metaphorically: 'Her extrasensory perception for market trends is uncanny.'
Academic
Used in psychology, philosophy of mind, and parapsychology literature as a technical term for a studied phenomenon.
Everyday
Used to describe seemingly inexplicable knowledge or预感 (premonition). Often in speculative or joking contexts: 'I must have extrasensory perception because I knew you'd call.'
Technical
The specific term in parapsychology for information transfer or perception outside known sensory channels. Subject to controlled experiments.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The study aimed to determine if one could reliably extrasensorily perceive hidden images.
- She claimed to be able to extrasensorily perceive the history of an object.
American English
- Researchers tested whether subjects could extrasensorily perceive the contents of sealed envelopes.
- He believed he could extrasensorily perceive danger before it arrived.
adverb
British English
- The information was gained extrasensorily, according to the participant.
- He seemed to know extrasensorily what card would be drawn.
American English
- She perceived the event extrasensorily, long before it happened.
- The data suggested the target was identified extrasensorily.
adjective
British English
- The extrasensory perception experiment yielded controversial results.
- She reported an extrasensory perception experience during meditation.
American English
- The lab conducted extrasensory perception research under strict controls.
- His extrasensory perception claims were met with skepticism.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Some people think they have extrasensory perception.
- I don't believe in extrasensory perception.
- The film's hero used extrasensory perception to solve the crime.
- Scientists are unsure if extrasensory perception is real.
- Despite numerous studies, conclusive proof for extrasensory perception remains elusive.
- The concept of extrasensory perception challenges our understanding of the mind's limits.
- The parapsychology department's rigorous meta-analysis examined the statistical evidence for extrasensory perception across decades of experimentation.
- Philosophers debate whether verifying claims of extrasensory perception requires a paradigm shift in scientific epistemology.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
EXTRA (beyond) + SENSORY (related to senses) + PERCEPTION (the act of becoming aware) = awareness beyond the normal senses.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A RECEIVER (of invisible signals). KNOWING IS SEEING (without eyes).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation as 'внесенсорное восприятие' – it is understood but non-standard. The established calque is 'экстрасенсорное восприятие' (ekstrasensornoye vospriyatiye). Note 'экстрасенс' (psychic) is a related but distinct word.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'extra-sensory perception' (hyphen is often omitted in modern usage). Incorrectly using it as an adjective (e.g., 'She is extrasensory perception' vs. 'She has extrasensory perception').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of 'extrasensory perception'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The existence of ESP is a highly contentious and unresolved scientific question. While some parapsychological studies claim statistical evidence, the majority of the scientific community remains skeptical due to issues with reproducibility and methodological flaws.
ESP implies a paranormal mechanism for acquiring information inaccessible to the senses. Intuition is generally understood as a rapid, subconscious processing of available information and past experience, without implying supernatural ability.
Yes, parapsychologists use controlled experiments like Ganzfeld (sensory deprivation) tests, card-guessing tasks (e.g., Zener cards), and remote viewing protocols to try to measure ESP under laboratory conditions. The validity of these tests is debated.
It is primarily a compound noun (e.g., 'She has extrasensory perception'). The related adjective is 'extrasensory' (e.g., 'extrasensory abilities').