Is second sight considered real?

It is generally regarded as a folk belief or pseudoscience, though some paranormal researchers claim evidence for such abilities.

What is the origin of the term?

The term originated in 17th century Scotland, referring to the supposed prophetic vision found in Highland folklore.

Can second sight be used metaphorically?

Yes, it can describe exceptional business foresight or intuitive understanding, e.g., 'The investor had second sight about tech stocks.'

How is it different from déjà vu?

Déjà vu is a feeling of having experienced the present situation before; second sight specifically involves seeing future events before they happen.

Is “second sight” formal?

Second sight is usually formal/literary in register.

How do you pronounce “second sight”?

Second sight: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsekənd ˈsaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsekənd ˈsaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

second sight: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˌsekənd ˈsaɪt/US/ˌsekənd ˈsaɪt/

formal/literary

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “second sight” mean?

The supposed ability to see future events or things happening elsewhere.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The supposed ability to see future events or things happening elsewhere; clairvoyance.

Any unusual ability to anticipate or perceive what others cannot; exceptional foresight in non-supernatural contexts.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

More commonly used in British English, especially with Scottish connections; American English prefers 'clairvoyance' or 'extra-sensory perception'.

Connotations

British: often carries historical/folklore associations. American: more likely to be seen as pseudoscientific.

Frequency

Low frequency in both varieties, but slightly higher in UK due to cultural references.

Grammar

How to Use “second sight” in a Sentence

have/possess + second sightsecond sight + that-clauseaccording to + second sight

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

possess second sightgift of second sightclaimed to have second sight

medium

second sight allowed her tosecond sight revealedthrough second sight

weak

strange second sightmysterious second sightsecond sight experiences

Examples

Examples of “second sight” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

She was considered a second-sight seer in her village.

American English

He had a second-sight experience before the earthquake.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Metaphorically: 'The CEO seemed to have second sight about market trends.'

Academic

Discussed in anthropology/folklore studies of Celtic cultures.

Everyday

Rare in casual conversation; mostly in discussions of paranormal phenomena.

Technical

Parapsychology term for alleged precognitive ability.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “second sight”

Strong

prophetic visionprecognitionpsychic ability

Neutral

clairvoyanceextra-sensory perceptionsixth sense

Weak

intuition foresight insight

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “second sight”

blindness to the futurelack of foresightmyopia

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “second sight”

Using as a verb (*'He secondsighted the accident' - incorrect)
Confusing with 'second thought' or 'second glance'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is generally regarded as a folk belief or pseudoscience, though some paranormal researchers claim evidence for such abilities.
: The term originated in 17th century Scotland, referring to the supposed prophetic vision found in Highland folklore.
: Yes, it can describe exceptional business foresight or intuitive understanding, e.g., 'The investor had second sight about tech stocks.'
: Déjà vu is a feeling of having experienced the present situation before; second sight specifically involves seeing future events before they happen.
: The supposed ability to see future events or things happening elsewhere.
: Second sight is usually formal/literary in register.
: Second sight: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsekənd ˈsaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsekənd ˈsaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“the second sight of the Highlands”
“gifted with second sight”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

SECOND sight = seeing what comes SECOND (after the present, i.e., the future).

Conceptual Metaphor

KNOWING IS SEEING (extended to future/time)

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

In Scottish folklore, many tales speak of individuals who possessed and could foresee coming disasters.

Multiple Choice

Which of these is closest in meaning to 'second sight'?