supernaturalism
LowFormal, Academic, Literary
Definition
Meaning
The belief in, or study of, supernatural forces, entities, or events that exist outside the laws of nature.
A philosophical or aesthetic approach that emphasizes the mysterious, the transcendent, or the magical, often as a reaction to rationalism and scientific materialism.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun for a belief system (e.g., 'His supernaturalism shaped his worldview') or an uncountable noun for a general concept. Often used in philosophical, religious, and literary-critical discourse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. In British academic writing, it may be slightly more associated with historical and literary studies. In American discourse, it can have a stronger link to religious studies and popular culture analyses.
Connotations
In both dialects, it implies a systematic approach to the supernatural, not just casual belief. Can carry a neutral, critical, or pejorative tone depending on context.
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday speech in both regions. Slightly higher frequency in specialised academic publications.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
supernaturalism + [prepositional phrase: of something/someone]supernaturalism + [verb: is rejected/espoused/defined]adjective + supernaturalismVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. The word itself is a formal concept.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in philosophy, theology, religious studies, and literature departments to describe belief systems or critical frameworks.
Everyday
Extremely rare. A person is more likely to say 'belief in the supernatural'.
Technical
A specific term in metaphysical philosophy and the academic study of religion.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Not applicable. No verb form derived from 'supernaturalism'.
American English
- Not applicable. No verb form derived from 'supernaturalism'.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable. No common adverb form ('supernaturalistically' is extremely rare and non-standard).
American English
- Not applicable. No common adverb form ('supernaturalistically' is extremely rare and non-standard).
adjective
British English
- The gothic novel had a supernaturalist aesthetic.
- His supernaturalist philosophy was at odds with the scientific consensus.
American English
- Her supernaturalist worldview influenced her artwork.
- The movement's supernaturalist leanings were clear in its manifesto.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Supernaturalism is a difficult word. It is about ghosts and magic.
- Some people's supernaturalism means they believe in life after death.
- The 19th-century reaction against Enlightenment rationalism often took the form of a renewed interest in romantic supernaturalism and mysticism.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUPERnaturalISM: The '-ism' (doctrine) of believing in SUPER (beyond) NATURAL (the ordinary world).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SUPERNATURAL IS ANOTHER REALM (e.g., 'realm of supernaturalism'), BELIEF IS A STRUCTURE (e.g., 'the edifice of his supernaturalism').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с "сверхъестественностью" (supernaturalness) — это качество. "Supernaturalism" — это скорее "сверхъестественничество", "учение о сверхъестественном" или "сверхъестественное верование".
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a synonym for 'supernatural event' (e.g., 'The ghost was a supernaturalism' - incorrect). Confusing it with 'superstition', which has a more negative connotation of irrational fear.
Practice
Quiz
In which academic field is the term 'supernaturalism' MOST commonly used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. It is a broader, more systematic belief in or study of the supernatural as a category, which can include ghosts, gods, miracles, etc.
Register and connotation. 'Supernaturalism' is a formal, often academic term that can be neutral. 'Superstition' is more common and almost always implies an irrational or unfounded belief.
Yes, in contexts where belief in the supernatural is viewed as profound or insightful, e.g., 'The poet's supernaturalism offered a welcome escape from grim reality.'
In philosophical and academic contexts, 'naturalism' is the direct antonym, denoting the belief that everything arises from natural properties and causes.
Collections
Part of a collection
Philosophical Vocabulary
C2 · 44 words · Technical terms used in academic philosophy.