PsychologyAugust 27, 2026

precognition

pree-kog-NISH-un

Definition

The supposed ability to gain knowledge of or perceive future events before they happen.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'praecognitio,' combining 'prae' (before) and 'cognoscere' (to learn or know). It entered English in the 17th century to describe foreknowledge.

In the news

The article mentions how philosophers like C.D. Broad studied precognition as a potential psychic phenomenon, alongside telepathy and ghosts, in the early 20th century.

How a ‘psychic’ horse named Clever Hans changed the way we do science

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The Conversation

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