mind reading: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal to semi-formal. The literal sense is often playful or pseudoscientific; the figurative sense is common in psychology, business, and everyday conversation.
Quick answer
What does “mind reading” mean?
The supposed ability to know another person's thoughts without them being communicated.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The supposed ability to know another person's thoughts without them being communicated.
The skill of accurately inferring someone's thoughts, intentions, or feelings from their behaviour, expressions, or context. Also used figuratively for deep understanding or prediction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both use 'mind reading' as the standard compound noun. The hyphenated form 'mind-reading' is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both. The literal sense may be viewed slightly more sceptically in UK discourse.
Frequency
Comparably frequent. Possibly more common in US pop psychology and self-help contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “mind reading” in a Sentence
[subject] + engage in + mind reading[subject] + be accused of + mind reading[subject] + perform + an act of + mind readingIt + require + mind reading + to + [verb phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mind reading” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I can't possibly mind-read what he's thinking.
- Stop trying to mind-read and just ask her.
American English
- Don't expect me to mind-read your preferences.
- He's always mind-reading instead of listening.
adverb
British English
- He guessed mind-readingly correctly.
- She answered mind-readingly fast.
American English
- He knew, almost mind-readingly, what I needed.
- She acted mind-readingly on the unspoken cue.
adjective
British English
- She gave him a mind-reading look.
- It was a sort of mind-reading exercise.
American English
- He has an uncanny, almost mind-reading ability.
- They played a mind-reading game at the party.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used critically to describe unrealistic expectations, e.g., 'The client expects mind reading; they haven't given clear requirements.'
Academic
In psychology, refers to a cognitive distortion or a topic in parapsychology research.
Everyday
Used humorously or frustratedly when someone expects you to know their unspoken thoughts.
Technical
In neuroscience and AI, refers to brain-computer interfaces or algorithms that decode neural activity.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mind reading”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mind reading”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mind reading”
- Using 'mind reading' as a verb (*'He mind-readed me') – the verb is 'to read someone's mind'.
- Confusing 'mind reading' (process) with 'mind reader' (person).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In a literal, paranormal sense, it is not supported by scientific evidence. The term is used figuratively or within the context of performance arts like mentalism.
The verb form is usually 'to read someone's mind'. The hyphenated verb 'to mind-read' is informal but attested. Its past tense is 'mind-read'.
'Telepathy' is the broader, more technical term for direct mind-to-mind communication. 'Mind reading' specifically implies one person accessing the thoughts of another, often without reciprocal communication.
It is often used to criticise someone for making unfounded assumptions ('You're just mind reading, you don't know what she thinks') or to criticise unrealistic expectations ('My boss expects mind reading!').
The supposed ability to know another person's thoughts without them being communicated.
Mind reading is usually informal to semi-formal. the literal sense is often playful or pseudoscientific; the figurative sense is common in psychology, business, and everyday conversation. in register.
Mind reading: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪnd ˌriːdɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪnd ˌridɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “I'm not a mind reader!”
- “It would take a mind reader to know.”
- “stop trying to read my mind.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a librarian READING a book titled 'MIND' to remember the compound.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A TEXT (that can be read); THOUGHTS ARE AUDIBLE MESSAGES (that can be overheard).
Practice
Quiz
In a psychological context, 'mind reading' typically refers to: