Word
supernatural
Phoneticssu·per·nat·u·ral, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌsupɝˈnætʃɝəɫ/
UK/sˌuːpənˈætʃəɹəl/
Definitions
01beyond nature
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. describes things that are not part of the natural world and cannot be explained by science.
adj. relating to phenomena that exist outside the natural world and are attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding.
“The villagers believed the strange lights in the forest had a supernatural cause.”
“The investigator remained skeptical, searching for a rational explanation for what the witnesses insisted was a supernatural occurrence.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02the world of spirits
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the world of things that are not natural, like ghosts or magic.
n. supernatural beings, forces, and events considered as a collective whole; typically used with the definite article 'the'.
“She has always been fascinated by the supernatural and loves reading ghost stories.”
“His latest novel explores the thin veil between our daily lives and the supernatural, blending historical facts with local folklore.”
Usage
Usually functions as an uncountable noun preceded by 'the'.
Synonyms
03a magical being
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Literary
n. a creature that has magical powers or is not from the natural world.
n. an individual entity or being that possesses powers beyond the laws of nature.
“In the old legends, a supernatural would often guard the entrance to the cave.”
“The poet personifies the wind as a powerful supernatural, capable of both creation and absolute destruction.”
Real-World Examples
“Trees, herbs and other plants were and are used to defend properties against dangers both natural and supernatural.” “There are also new DNA-modifying mutagens to play around with, tweaking Geralt’s biology and, therefore, his supernatural skills.” “When her best friend’s life is endangered, Simone must decide how far she will go to save her in this unsettling, page-turning supernatural YA mystery.” 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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
The word in film
Supernatural · Fantasy
- Starring:
- Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, Katie Cassidy
Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki star in this long-running fantasy series about two brothers who hunt ghosts and demons. The title describes the world of spirits and dark forces they encounter while traveling across America.
- 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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englishreference.com/q/supernatural