clairvoyance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clairvoyance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the ability to perceive events or information beyond normal sensory contact, often associated with psychic abilities. Example: "Many people believe in clairvoyance, claiming that some individuals can see into the future or communicate with spirits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a kind of informed clairvoyance.

The Guardian

From 1934 onwards, their spiritual leader was an eccentric but gifted Russian archbishop, Ioann Maximovich, who was credited with extraordinary powers of healing and clairvoyance.

The Economist

But there is precious little sign that such clairvoyance exists.

The Economist

Shakespeare's 450th birthday will be celebrated around the globe.Perhaps some of these predictions will eventually fail one of the "clairvoyance tests" that Mr Tetlock explains in his video.

The Economist

Small fire detectors hidden in trees should add to the anti-poaching unit's reputation for clairvoyance.

The Economist

The eye-doctor and believer in clairvoyance couldn't see straight.

The Economist

Correction to this articleCLAIMS of clairvoyance, particularly when they come from economists, deserve a sceptical reception.

The Economist

Ever since March, it has been a benign factor, as investors have looked through the bad 2009 numbers on output and profits, in anticipation of the recovery they expect in 2010.From now on, this clairvoyance is going to be more double-edged.

The Economist

For example, few experiments in paranormal phenomena, such as clairvoyance, which have given positive results under apparently stringent conditions, have made converts among scientists.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Precognition has been tested with subjects required to predict the future order of cards in a deck about to be shuffled or to foretell results of dice throws, but the statistical support for it has generally been less convincing than that from experiments in telepathy and clairvoyance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even after her marriage to Canning Woodhull at age 15, she continued to give demonstrations in clairvoyance with her sister.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clairvoyance" in contexts where a supernatural or extrasensory perception is implied; for everyday foresight, alternatives like "foresight" or "intuition" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "clairvoyance" to describe skills that rely on observation and deduction rather than extrasensory abilities; using the word in this case can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "clairvoyance" is as a noun. It refers to the purported ability to perceive events or information beyond the normal senses. Ludwig examples showcase its use in contexts ranging from paranormal phenomena to business predictions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clairvoyance" is a noun denoting the alleged ability to perceive events beyond normal sensory contact. Ludwig AI confirms the term is correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific discussions, with a neutral to formal register. When using "clairvoyance", it's crucial to provide context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "extrasensory perception" and "second sight". Although the concept is often associated with paranormal beliefs, the word itself is commonly used across diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extrasensory perception

Focuses on the broader sense of perceiving information beyond ordinary senses.

second sight

Implies a supernatural ability to see future events.

psychic ability

A more general term for abilities beyond the scope of known scientific laws.

precognition

Specifically refers to the ability to foresee future events.

telepathy

The ability to communicate thoughts directly with another person's mind.

foresight

The ability to predict future events or needs, often through reasoning.

intuition

Knowing something instinctively, without conscious reasoning.

prophecy

The foretelling of future events through divine inspiration.

supernatural perception

A broader term encompassing any perception outside natural or scientific understanding.

divination

The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means.

FAQs

What does "clairvoyance" mean?

"Clairvoyance" refers to the purported ability to perceive things beyond the range of normal sensory perception, such as future events or hidden objects.

How can I use "clairvoyance" in a sentence?

You might say, "Some believe that mediums possess "clairvoyance", allowing them to see events others cannot."

What are some synonyms for "clairvoyance"?

Alternatives include "extrasensory perception", "second sight", or "psychic ability". Consider "precognition" if you're specifically referring to seeing the future.

Is belief in "clairvoyance" considered scientific?

No, "clairvoyance" is generally considered a pseudoscience, as there is no scientific evidence to support its existence. However some scientific studies have been conducted.