WordGarden.iotelepathic
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /tˌɛlɪpˈæθɪk/
US
- /ˌtɛləˈpæθək/
Meanings
Adjective
relating to supposed communication between minds without speech or physical contact
showing an uncanny ability to understand or communicate thoughts without needing words
Beyond the definition
Imagine being able to know what someone else is thinking without them saying a word. That's the basic idea of telepathic: relating to communication that seems to pass directly from one mind to another, without speech or the usual senses. It is often linked to science fiction and psychic powers, such as characters who can read each other's thoughts. Although it has not been proven scientifically in humans, the idea has fascinated people for a long time. You might also use it in an everyday way for a very close connection with someone, when it feels like you just know what they are thinking or feeling.
The word telepathic describes the supposed ability to communicate thoughts directly from one mind to another, without using any known sensory channels such as speech, writing, or body language. It comes from Greek roots meaning "distant" and "feeling" or "perception," which fits the idea of minds connecting across space.
While often depicted in science fiction – think Professor X from X-Men or characters communicating across vast interstellar distances – true telepathy remains unproven by scientific methods. However, the concept is deeply ingrained in popular culture and frequently used to describe strong intuitive connections between people. You might say a mother and child share a "telepathic bond," meaning they understand each other without needing words.
The term can also be used more broadly to suggest an uncanny ability to anticipate another person's thoughts or feelings, even if it's simply based on observation and empathy. For example: "After years of working together, they had become so attuned that their communication felt almost telepathic." It's important to note the distinction between literal thought transfer and this more figurative use.
So, whether you believe in psychic powers or not, telepathic evokes a fascinating idea – the possibility of direct mind-to-mind connection, bridging the gap between individuals through pure thought.
Examples
- 1
Fiction
In the novel, the twins can communicate through a telepathic link even when they are far apart.
- 2
Sports teamwork
The coach joked that the two strikers seemed telepathic on the field.
- Phraseseemed telepathic
understood each other so well that they did not need to speak
- 3
Professional timing
After ten years of working together, they had developed an almost telepathic sense of timing.
- Phrasean almost telepathic sense of timing
they could predict each other's actions very easily
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- telepathicadjective