What does psychic mean?
Psychic is both a noun and an adjective with roots in ideas about the soul and mind. As a noun, it refers to a person believed to possess telepathic, clairvoyant, or other abilities that go beyond ordinary perception. As an adjective, it can describe those powers, as in “psychic energy,” or relate more generally to the mind and mental processes. In contemporary English, the supernatural sense is the most prominent, particularly in descriptions of psychics, mediums, readings, and paranormal experiences. The word may be used neutrally when reporting a belief or practice, but it can also carry a skeptical or dismissive implication, suggesting that someone claims powers that cannot be independently verified. In the older and more formal sense of “mental,” psychic is now less common than the everyday word “mental.”
A person believed to have telepathic, clairvoyant, or other supernatural mental powers.
"The psychic told the audience what she thought the volunteer had chosen."
Often used for a person who claims such abilities; depending on context, the term may sound respectful, skeptical, or dismissive.
Relating to supposed telepathic, clairvoyant, or other supernatural mental powers; also, in more formal use, relating to the mind or mental processes.
"Researchers studied the alleged psychic phenomenon rather than accepting it at face value."
The mental or soul-related sense is chiefly literary or formal; the supernatural sense is dominant in modern usage.
The plural is used for multiple people believed to possess supernatural mental powers.
"Famous psychics have long appeared on television and at public demonstrations."
From the Greek word for “soul,” psychic captures both the mind and the belief that some people can reach beyond ordinary senses.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How psychic is actually used
As a noun, “psychic” often refers to someone who claims—or is believed to have—telepathic or clairvoyant abilities; it can sound skeptical or dismissive, especially when describing a purported professional. In the adjective sense relating to the mind, it is more formal and less common than “mental.”