ENGLISH
REFERENCE

supernatural

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌsupɝˈnætʃɝəɫ// UK //sˌuːpənˈætʃəɹəl// su·per·nat·u·ral

n. things that cannot be explained by science or the laws of nature. You use this to talk about ghosts, magic, or spirits.

n. phenomena or entities that exist outside the laws of nature and cannot be explained by scientific understanding. Often preceded by the definite article 'the' to refer to this category of existence as a whole.


SIMPLE

She has always been fascinated by the supernatural.

CONTEXTUAL

The old mansion was famous for stories of the supernatural, with many locals claiming to see lights in the windows.

COMPLEX

While some researchers attempt to find rational explanations for these sightings, others remain convinced that they represent a genuine intersection between our world and the supernatural.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

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.

Usage

Typically functions as a collective noun preceded by 'the'.

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