English Reference
noun · adjective

psychic

n. · adj.
US /ˈsaɪkɪk/ UK /sˈaɪkɪk/ psy·chic UK spelling psychics

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.someone who says they can see the future or know things using special mental powers.

    n.a person who claims to possess extrasensory perception (ESP), such as telepathy or precognition.

    Simple

    The psychic predicted that I would meet someone important during my trip.

    In context

    Despite the lack of scientific evidence, many people still consult a psychic when they are facing difficult life decisions or seeking closure.

    clairvoyantfortune teller
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Academic

    adj.relating to your mind or your spirit rather than your body.

    adj.relating to the human psyche or mind; mental rather than physical in nature.

    Simple

    The doctor said the patient's pain might have a psychic cause rather than a physical one.

    In context

    The therapist explored the patient's psychic trauma, looking for deep-seated emotional patterns established during early childhood.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.having or using special powers that cannot be explained by science.

    adj.pertaining to phenomena that appear to be outside of physical or natural laws, specifically involving extrasensory abilities.

    Simple

    Some people believe that animals have a psychic ability to sense danger before it happens.

    In context

    The investigator remained skeptical of the woman's psychic claims, searching instead for a logical explanation for the strange occurrences.

Most of their focus was on the psychic abilities of humans.

Phys.org· 27 Aug 2026

From Ancient Greek ψυχικός (psukhikós, “relative to the soul, spirit, mind”). Earlier referred to as "psychical"; or from Ancient Greek ψυχή (psukhḗ, “soul, mind, psyche”). First appeared (as substantive) 1871 and first records 1895.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Ancient Greek ψυχικός
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated