paranormal
- 01 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.
Simple“The investigators looked for a paranormal explanation for the strange noises in the old house.”
In context“The documentary explores various paranormal claims, ranging from telepathic communication to sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena.”
Teacher's tipLearners 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.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“She has been interested in the paranormal since she saw a ghost as a child.”
In context“The author has spent decades researching the paranormal, documenting hundreds of cases that defy conventional physics.”
UsageUsually used with the definite article 'the'.
Synonymsthe supernaturalthe unknown
From para- (“beyond”) + normal; compare supernatural. First use appears c. 1905.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.