Preternatural
Adjective
Definition: Beyond what is normal or natural; abnormal.
Synonyms: Supernatural, Eerie, Uncanny
Antonyms: Natural, Ordinary, Normal
- The magician's ability to levitate objects seemed preternatural.
- The cat's preternatural hearing allowed it to detect the slightest noise.
- Think of "pre-" as meaning "before" or "beyond," and "natural" as referring to what is normal. Preternatural, therefore, describes something beyond what is normal.
Etymology:
The word originated in the early 17th century from the Latin "praeternaturalis," which combines "praeter" meaning "beyond" or "besides," and "naturalis" meaning "natural."
Historical Usage:Preternatural has been used to describe phenomena or abilities that were considered beyond the realm of nature or ordinary experience.
Related Idioms:
"Preternatural calm"
Explanation:Refers to an unusually calm or composed state, often in tense or chaotic situations.
Misconceptions:
Confusing preternatural with supernatural.
Explanation:While preternatural and supernatural are similar in meaning, preternatural refers to something beyond what is normal or natural, while supernatural refers to something attributed to forces beyond scientific understanding. It is important to distinguish between the two terms and use them correctly.