preternatural

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/ˌpriːtərˈnætʃrəl/
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A formal word for what seems beyond normal nature, from an uncanny talent or calmness to theological marvels outside the ordinary natural order.
Practice using preternatural in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The myth turns a natural storm into a preternatural sign.
  • The painting has a preternatural glow in the blue shadows.
  • His preternatural memory made every witness uneasy.
  • A scholar described the apparition as preternatural, not merely strange.
  • The child had a preternatural gift for music.

Similar words

strange
supernatural
otherworldly
miraculous
extraordinary
exceptional
eerie
otherworldly
uncanny
abnormal

Meanings

More than natural

adjective
everyday
formal
Far beyond what is usual or expected, as if a skill, calmness, beauty, or force were not fully natural.

Examples

  • She showed preternatural calm during the crisis.
  • The child had a preternatural gift for music.
  • A preternatural silence settled over the empty street.
  • His preternatural memory made every witness uneasy.
  • The painting has a preternatural glow in the blue shadows.

Similar words

extraordinary
uncanny
otherworldly
exceptional
abnormal
strange
eerie

Outside ordinary nature

adjective
theology
formal
Beyond the ordinary course of nature, especially in religious or occult writing that separates hidden powers or marvels from direct divine action.

Examples

  • Medieval writers placed demons among preternatural beings.
  • The treatise separates preternatural marvels from divine miracles.
  • The story gives the prophet a preternatural power of sight.
  • A scholar described the apparition as preternatural, not merely strange.
  • The myth turns a natural storm into a preternatural sign.

Similar words

supernatural
paranormal
otherworldly
occult
uncanny
miraculous

Etymology

From Medieval Latin praeternaturalis, based on Latin praeter naturam, meaning beyond nature. It combines praeter, beyond or more than, with natura, nature, and has been used in English since the late 1500s.

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