Word
paranormal
Phoneticspara·nor·mal
US/pɛɹəˈnɔɹməɫ/
UK/pˈæɹənˌɔːməl/
Definitions
01unexplained by science
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. describes events or powers that seem to break the laws of nature and cannot be explained by science.
adj. denoting events or phenomena that are beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding or natural laws.
“The investigators looked for a paranormal explanation for the strange noises in the old house.”
“The documentary explores various paranormal claims, ranging from telepathic communication to sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena.”
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse 'paranormal' with 'supernatural'. While similar, 'paranormal' is more common in modern contexts involving research or investigation, whereas 'supernatural' often relates to religion or mythology.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02strange events in general
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. strange things or events that science cannot explain, looked at as a group.
n. a collective term for phenomena or experiences that lack a scientific explanation.
“She has been interested in the paranormal since she saw a ghost as a child.”
“The author has spent decades researching the paranormal, documenting hundreds of cases that defy conventional physics.”
Usage
Usually used with the definite article 'the'.
Synonyms
Etymology
From para- (“beyond”) + normal; compare supernatural. First use appears c. 1905.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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