our sixth sense

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   A supposed ability to know or feel things without using the five normal senses.

   Grammar: Used as a singular noun phrase; it can follow a possessive like my, your, or our.

   Patterns

   • someone's sixth sense tells them something
   • have a sixth sense about something
   • a sixth sense for something

   Our sixth sense told us that something was wrong before we opened the door.

   She has a sixth sense about when people are lying.

   Many parents seem to have a sixth sense for when their children are in trouble.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasefigurative

   An unusual natural skill for noticing or understanding something.

   Grammar: Often followed by for plus a noun or -ing form: a sixth sense for danger.

   Patterns

   • a sixth sense for something
   • a sixth sense for doing something

   He has a sixth sense for finding bargains.

   Good teachers develop a sixth sense for spotting a confused student.

Common combinations

have a sixth sense

Some animals seem to have a sixth sense about coming storms.

a sixth sense tells someone

My sixth sense told me not to trust him.

a sixth sense about something

She has a sixth sense about other people's moods.

a sixth sense for something

He has a sixth sense for danger.

Synonyms and how they differ

intuition

Intuition is a general word for knowing something without proof; a sixth sense is more like an imagined extra ability.

instinct

Instinct is a natural reaction or drive, often in animals; a sixth sense suggests a mysterious way of knowing facts.

Word family

sixth adjective

Coming after the fifth in order.

sense noun

One of the abilities such as sight, hearing, or touch.

Commonly confused: our sixth sense or six senses?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “our sixth sense”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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