What does "supernatural" mean?

1. (beyond nature) describes things that are not part of the natural world and cannot be explained by science. 2. (the world of spirits) the world of things that are not natural, like ghosts or magic. 3. (a magical being) a creature that has magical powers or is not from the natural world.

How do you use "supernatural"?

Usually functions as an uncountable noun preceded by 'the'.

supernatural

adj. · n.

US //ˌsupɝˈnætʃɝəɫ// UK //sˌuːpənˈætʃəɹəl// su·per·nat·u·ral

1 beyond nature (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

describes things that are not part of the natural world and cannot be explained by science.

relating to phenomena that exist outside the natural world and are attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding.

Example

The villagers believed the strange lights in the forest had a supernatural cause.

Example

The investigator remained skeptical, searching for a rational explanation for what the witnesses insisted was a supernatural occurrence.
2 the world of spirits (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the world of things that are not natural, like ghosts or magic.

supernatural beings, forces, and events considered as a collective whole; typically used with the definite article 'the'.

Example

She has always been fascinated by the supernatural and loves reading ghost stories.

Example

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'.
- the paranormal
- the occult
- reality
- nature

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3 a magical being (n.)
C1 Advanced Literary

a creature that has magical powers or is not from the natural world.

an individual entity or being that possesses powers beyond the laws of nature.

Example

In the old legends, a supernatural would often guard the entrance to the cave.

Example

The poet personifies the wind as a powerful supernatural, capable of both creation and absolute destruction.
- human
- mortal

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.