# supernatural

/ˌsupɝˈnætʃɝəɫ/ (US) · /sˌuːpənˈætʃəɹəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/supernatural
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. beyond nature

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. the world of spirits

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. a magical being

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- She has always been fascinated by the supernatural.
- The old mansion was famous for stories of the supernatural, with many locals claiming to see lights in the windows.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.