ENGLISH
REFERENCE

paranormal

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //pɛɹəˈnɔɹməɫ// UK //pˈæɹənˌɔːməl// para·nor·mal

adj. describing things that cannot be explained by science or the laws of nature. You use this for stories about ghosts, spirits, or special powers.

adj. denoting events or phenomena that are beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding. Often associated with supernatural or psychic activity.


SIMPLE

The old house is famous for paranormal activity.

CONTEXTUAL

Investigators spent the night in the castle trying to find a scientific reason for the paranormal reports.

COMPLEX

While many people enjoy stories of paranormal encounters, skeptics argue that most sightings can be attributed to environmental factors or psychological tricks of the mind.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From para- (“beyond”) + normal; compare supernatural. First use appears c. 1905.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun like 'activity', 'phenomena', or 'investigator'.

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