Supernatural vs. Preternatural — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Supernatural and Preternatural
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Definitions
Supernatural
The supernatural encompasses supposed phenomena or entities that are not subject to the laws of nature. It is derived from Medieval Latin supernaturalis, from Latin super- (above, beyond, or outside of) + natura (nature ).
Preternatural
Surpassing what is normal or usual; extraordinary
"Below his preternatural affability there is some acid and steel" (George F. Will).
Supernatural
(of a manifestation or event) attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature
A supernatural being
Preternatural
Transcending the natural or material order; supernatural.
Supernatural
Manifestations or events considered to be of supernatural origin, such as ghosts
A frightening manifestation of the supernatural
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Preternatural
Beyond or not conforming to what is natural or according to the regular course of things; strange.
Supernatural
Of or relating to existence outside the natural world.
Preternatural
(dated) Having an existence outside of the natural world.
Supernatural
Attributed to a power that seems to violate or go beyond natural forces.
Preternatural
Beyond of different from what is natural, or according to the regular course of things, but not clearly supernatural or miraculous; strange; inexplicable; extraordinary; uncommon; irregular; abnormal; as, a preternatural appearance; a preternatural stillness; a preternatural presentation (in childbirth) or labor.
This vile and preternatural temper of mind.
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Supernatural
Of or relating to a deity.
Preternatural
Surpassing the ordinary or normal;
Beyond his preternatural affability there is some acid and some steel
Supernatural
Of or relating to the immediate exercise of divine power; miraculous.
Preternatural
Existing outside of or not in accordance with nature;
Find transcendental motives for sublunary action
Supernatural
Of or relating to the miraculous.
Supernatural
That which is supernatural.
Supernatural
Above nature; beyond or added to nature, often so considered because it is given by a deity or some force beyond that which humans are born with.
In Roman Catholic theology, sanctifying grace is considered to be a supernatural addition to human nature.
Stephen King's first novel is about a girl named Carrie dealing with supernatural powers.
Supernatural
Not of the usual; not natural; altered by forces that are not understood fully if at all.
The house is haunted by supernatural forces.
Supernatural
(countable) A supernatural being
Supernatural
(uncountable) Supernatural beings and events collectively when used with definite article: "the supernatural"
Supernatural
Being beyond, or exceeding, the power or laws of nature; miraculous.
That is supernatural, whether it be, that is either not in the chain of natural cause and effect, or which acts on the chain of cause and effect in nature, from without the chain.
We must not view creation as supernatural, but we do look upon it as miraculous.
Supernatural
Supernatural forces and events and beings collectively;
She doesn't believe in the supernatural
Supernatural
Not existing in nature or subject to explanation according to natural laws; not physical or material;
Supernatural forces and occurrences and beings
