supernatural
adjective
No English definition recorded for this entry.
L313054 on Wikidata ↗noun
- term meaning "that which is not subject to the laws of physics"
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˌs(j)uː.pəˈnæ.tʃə.ɹəl/ / /-tʃɹəl/ / /ˌsu.pəɹˈnæ.tʃə.ɹəl/
adj
Etymology: From Middle English supernatural, supernaturel, from Middle French supernaturel, from Latin supernātūrālis, from super (“above”) + nātūra (“nature; that which we are born with”), from nātus (“born”), perfect passive participle of nāscī (“to be born”) + adjective suffix -ālis. By surface analysis, super- + natural.
- Above nature; beyond or added to nature, often so considered because it is given by a deity or some force beyond that with which humans are born.
“Near-synonym: paranatural”
“In Roman Catholic theology, sanctifying grace is considered to be a supernatural addition to human nature.”
- Not of the usual; not natural; altered by forces that are not understood fully, if at all.
“Near-synonym: paranatural”
“The house is haunted by supernatural forces.”
noun
Etymology: From Middle English supernatural, supernaturel, from Middle French supernaturel, from Latin supernātūrālis, from super (“above”) + nātūra (“nature; that which we are born with”), from nātus (“born”), perfect passive participle of nāscī (“to be born”) + adjective suffix -ālis. By surface analysis, super- + natural.
- A supernatural being
- Supernatural beings and events collectively (when used with definite article: "the supernatural")
“Dr Johnson defended Shakespeare's use of the supernatural from the charge of implausibility on the grounds that, "The reality of witchcraft … has in all ages and countries been credited by the common people, and in most by the learned."”