supernatural

/,sju:pə'nætʃrəl/

Thân thiện

Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Not existing in nature or subject to explanation according to natural laws; not physical or material: Describes phenomena, forces, or beings that are beyond the observable universe and its natural laws. It implies an origin or existence outside the realm of normal human experience or scientific understanding.

2. Noun:

   • Supernatural forces and events and beings collectively: Refers to the entire category or realm of things that are considered supernatural. It is often used with the definite article "the."

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The story is about a detective who investigates supernatural occurrences.
  • Many ancient cultures believed in supernatural beings that controlled the weather.

• Noun:

  • She doesn't believe in the supernatural.
  • The movie explores the conflict between science and the supernatural.

Advanced Usage

• "Supernatural agency": A force or power that is supernatural, often implying intentional action.

  • The strange events were attributed to some form of supernatural agency.

• "Supernatural intervention": The act of a supernatural force directly influencing events in the natural world.

  • Some people pray for supernatural intervention during a crisis.

Variants and Related Words

• Supernaturally (adverb): In a supernatural manner.

  • The artifact was said to be supernaturally powerful.

• Supernaturalism (noun): Belief in the supernatural.

  • His philosophy was rooted in supernaturalism.

Synonyms

• Preternatural: Beyond what is normal or natural, sometimes used interchangeably but can imply a lesser degree of strangeness.
• Paranormal: Denoting events or phenomena beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding, often associated with psychic abilities or ghosts.
• Otherworldly: Of or relating to an imaginary or spiritual world.

Antonyms

• Natural: Existing in or derived from nature; not made or caused by humankind.
• Material: Concerned with physical things rather than spiritual or supernatural ones.
• Empirical: Based on observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "A brush with the supernatural": A brief experience or encounter with something supernatural.

  • His story about a ghost in the old house was his only brush with the supernatural.

• "Supernatural powers": Abilities that defy natural laws.

  • In the comic, the hero gains supernatural powers after the accident.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. not existing in nature or subject to explanation according to natural laws; not physical or material
   • supernatural forces and occurrences and beings

Noun

1. supernatural forces and events and beings collectively
   • She doesn't believe in the supernatural

Từ đồng nghĩa

• occult