supernatural
B2Neutral, slightly formal; common in literary, religious, and popular cultural contexts.
Definition
Meaning
Relating to phenomena, beings, or forces that are beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature.
Pertaining to a realm or dimension beyond what is observable; also used attributively to describe something inexplicably extraordinary.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a distinction from the natural world, but the boundary can be culturally specific. It can be a neutral descriptive term or carry evaluative connotations (e.g., awe, fear, skepticism).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The word is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with folklore and tradition in UK contexts (e.g., ghost stories), while in US contexts it's strongly linked to pop culture (TV shows, films) and evangelical religious discourse.
Frequency
Comparatively high frequency in both varieties due to genre popularity.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be + [supernatural][supernatural] + nounverb + of the [supernatural]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a brush with the supernatural”
- “forces of the supernatural”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually unused except in marketing for entertainment products.
Academic
Used in religious studies, anthropology, literature, and cultural studies to discuss belief systems and narrative tropes.
Everyday
Used to discuss ghosts, horror films, unexplained events, or religious miracles.
Technical
Not a technical scientific term; used dismissively or descriptively in psychology/philosophy of religion.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The plot does not supernaturalise the villain's motives; they remain psychological.
American English
- The show tends to supernaturalize every minor mystery in the town.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Some people believe in supernatural beings like ghosts.
- The film is about a family with supernatural powers.
- Many ancient cultures had complex beliefs about supernatural forces influencing daily life.
- The novel deftly blurs the line between psychological disturbance and genuine supernatural phenomena.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUPER (above/beyond) + NATURAL (the normal world). Think: powers BEYOND nature.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SUPERNATURAL IS A HIGHER/SEPARATE REALM (e.g., 'realm of the supernatural', 'otherworldly'). THE SUPERNATURAL IS AN EXTERNAL AGENCY (e.g., 'forces', 'intervention').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'сверхъестественный' in all contexts; it can sound overly literary or philosophical. For casual talk about ghosts, 'паранормальный' (paranormal) or 'призрак' (ghost) might be more natural.
Common Mistakes
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'a supernatural' – incorrect). Overusing as a synonym for 'amazing' in non-paranormal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely context for the word 'supernatural'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While common in horror, it also applies to religious miracles, divine beings, and any concept outside natural law.
Yes, but typically with 'the' (e.g., 'a belief in the supernatural'). It's not used as a countable noun ('a supernatural').
'Paranormal' often refers to specific unexplained phenomena (ESP, telekinesis, ghosts) potentially studied by fringe science. 'Supernatural' is broader, encompassing gods, miracles, and entire alternate realms.
It's grammatically possible but stylistically weak. Alternatives like 'profoundly supernatural' or 'decidedly supernatural' are better, as 'supernatural' is not a gradable adjective in its core sense.