mental telepathy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, academic (parapsychology); informal when used metaphorically.
Quick answer
What does “mental telepathy” mean?
The direct communication of thoughts, feelings, or information from one mind to another without using the known human senses.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The direct communication of thoughts, feelings, or information from one mind to another without using the known human senses.
In broader contexts, it can refer metaphorically to an exceptional understanding or synchronization between people, as if they can read each other's minds.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Telepathy' alone is more common in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries connotations of pseudoscience or fantasy when used literally. The metaphorical use is neutral or positive.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in AmE in pop culture/sci-fi contexts; slightly more frequent in BrE in historical parapsychology writings.
Grammar
How to Use “mental telepathy” in a Sentence
[Subject] has/uses/exhibits mental telepathy[Subject] communicated via mental telepathyIt felt like mental telepathyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mental telepathy” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The study aimed to find evidence for mental telepathy under laboratory conditions.
- Their coordination was so perfect it seemed like mental telepathy.
American English
- The psychic claimed her mental telepathy could help find missing persons.
- They have this mental telepathy on the basketball court; they always know where the other is.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'Their partnership succeeds due to an almost mental telepathy in decision-making.'
Academic
Used specifically in parapsychology, psychology, and philosophy of mind journals.
Everyday
Almost exclusively metaphorical or humorous: 'I didn't even call her; it was mental telepathy!'
Technical
A specific term in parapsychological research protocols, often tested under controlled conditions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mental telepathy”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mental telepathy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mental telepathy”
- Using 'mental telepathy' redundantly when 'telepathy' suffices.
- Confusing with 'empathy' or 'sympathy'.
- Spelling: 'telephaty' or 'mentle'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not accepted by mainstream science. It is studied within parapsychology, which is considered a pseudoscience by most scientists.
There is no practical difference. 'Mental telepathy' is a slightly more formal or emphatic version, specifying it's between minds. 'Telepathy' is far more common.
Yes, but almost always metaphorically. It's used positively to describe an exceptionally deep, intuitive understanding between people, like close friends or teammates.
Not as a literal term. It's common in science fiction, fantasy, and metaphorical everyday speech to describe默契.
The direct communication of thoughts, feelings, or information from one mind to another without using the known human senses.
Mental telepathy is usually formal, academic (parapsychology); informal when used metaphorically. in register.
Mental telepathy: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmen.təl təˈlep.ə.θi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmen.t̬əl təˈlep.ə.θi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be on the same wavelength (metaphorical equivalent)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
'MENTAL Telepathy' = MENTALly sending a TELEgram with your PATHos/emotions.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A SENDER/RECEIVER (of signals); COMMUNICATION IS DIRECT TRANSMISSION.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'mental telepathy' used as a serious technical term?