WordGarden.io
Back to search

telepathy

C2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /təlˈɛpəθˌi/

US

  • /təˈlɛpəθi/

Description

Imagine knowing what someone else is thinking without them saying a word. That's the core idea behind telepathy: the supposed ability to send thoughts directly from one mind to another without speaking, writing, or using the usual senses. It often appears in science fiction as a special power that lets characters share secrets, warnings, or plans instantly. Although science has not proved that it is real, the idea has fascinated people for centuries and shows up often in stories, films, and paranormal talk. You might say two characters have "telepathic communication" if they seem to understand each other without speaking.

Examples

  1. 1

    Movie powers

    In the movie, the child can talk to her brother by telepathy.

  2. 2

    Psychic belief

    My grandfather never believed in telepathy or any other psychic powers.

  3. 3

    Close teamwork

    Working with Maya sometimes feels like telepathy because she always knows what I need before I ask.

    • Usage

      feels like telepathy

      seems almost like telepathy; often used humorously

See also

nounsupposed direct communication between minds without normal senses

Similar

  • thought transference
  • mind reading

Shades of meaning

  • psychic communication
  • mental rapport

Contrast

  • ordinary speech

Do not confuse

Used with (collocations)

  • telepathic communication
  • telepathic powers
  • communicate by telepathy

Word family

Explore

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • telepathynoun