noun
clairvoyance
klair-VOY-uns/klerˈvɔɪəns/
The supposed ability to perceive hidden or future events supernaturally.
The woman beside the crystal ball supposedly has the gift of clairvoyance.
Etymology
The image is “clear seeing”: the French word described keen understanding or discernment. Its specialized paranormal sense turns that insight into a supposed ability to perceive things beyond ordinary sight.
In context
AS EMIT STRUGGLES WITH THE DISORIENTING OUT-OF-BODY VIEW, THE SAINTESS SAYS THIS DETACHED THIRD-PERSON PERCEPTION USED TO COME ONLY WITH CLAIRVOYANCE
More examples
- He claims that clairvoyance allows him to locate missing objects.
- She attributes her predictions to clairvoyance rather than lucky guesses.
- The researchers test his alleged clairvoyance using pictures hidden in sealed envelopes.
Forms
clairvoyance
clairvoyant noun — Someone believed to possess supernatural perception.
Similar words
- precognition
- Specifically concerns future events, rather than any hidden information.
- second sight
- A traditional term for supposedly seeing distant or future events.