Meaning & use
extrasensory
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Meaning
adjectivebefore a noun
Relating to perception or awareness that seems to occur beyond the normal five senses.
Grammar: Almost always used before a noun, especially in the phrase 'extrasensory perception'.
Patterns
- extrasensory perception
Some people claim to have extrasensory abilities, such as knowing what others are thinking.
The experiment tested whether extrasensory perception could be demonstrated under controlled conditions.
Stories about extrasensory powers are common in science fiction.
Common combinations
- extrasensory perception
- Extrasensory perception, often called ESP, is the idea of gaining information without using the five senses.
- extrasensory abilities
- The novel's hero has extrasensory abilities that help him solve crimes.
- extrasensory phenomena
- Scientists remain skeptical about extrasensory phenomena.
Synonyms and how they differ
- paranormal
- A broader term for events or abilities that cannot be explained by science; 'extrasensory' is narrower and specifically refers to perception beyond the senses.
- psychic
- Describes a person or ability related to the mind or spirits; 'extrasensory' focuses on perception without the usual senses.
Word family
- extrasensory perception noun
- The claimed ability to perceive information without the five senses, often abbreviated ESP.
Commonly confused: extrasensory or sensory?
extrasensory vs sensory
'Sensory' relates to the normal five senses; 'extrasensory' means beyond those senses.
Practice
Many people use the abbreviation ESP for ______ perception.
Choose one answer.
'Extrasensory perception' is the fixed phrase abbreviated as ESP. 'Sensory' means relating to the normal senses; 'sensor' is a device; 'sensible' means practical or reasonable.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “extrasensory”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.