supernaturalize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareFormal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “supernaturalize” mean?
to attribute something to supernatural causes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to attribute something to supernatural causes; to give a supernatural character or interpretation to something.
To make something appear or seem supernatural; to interpret natural phenomena through a supernatural lens.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Often used in theological, philosophical, or critical discourse. Can imply a critique of those who invoke the supernatural unnecessarily.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both corpora. Primarily encountered in specialized texts.
Grammar
How to Use “supernaturalize” in a Sentence
[Subject] supernaturalizes [Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supernaturalize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Some scholars argue that we should not supernaturalize every unexplained historical event.
- The medieval chroniclers tended to supernaturalise natural disasters as divine wrath.
American English
- The podcast warned against the urge to supernaturalize coincidences.
- He criticized the film for supernaturalizing mental illness.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial use.
American English
- No standard adverbial use.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjectival use.
American English
- No standard adjectival use.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in philosophy of religion, theology, and critical theory to describe the act of attributing events to supernatural agency.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be used in casual conversation.
Technical
May appear in parapsychology or religious studies discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “supernaturalize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “supernaturalize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supernaturalize”
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'a supernaturalize event' – incorrect). Confusing it with 'supernatural' (the adjective).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, formal word used primarily in academic or philosophical contexts.
No, the related noun would be 'supernaturalization', which is also very rare.
Common opposites include 'demystify', 'rationalize', 'secularize', or 'naturalize'.
Yes, 'spiritualize' often means to give a spiritual character without necessarily invoking the explicitly supernatural (e.g., ghosts, miracles). 'Supernaturalize' is more specific to attributing events to forces outside the laws of nature.
to attribute something to supernatural causes.
Supernaturalize is usually formal, academic in register.
Supernaturalize: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsuːpəˈnatʃ(ə)rəlʌɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsupərˈnætʃ(ə)rəˌlaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SUPER (above) + NATURALIZE (make natural). To 'super-naturalize' is to make something 'above natural' or beyond natural explanation.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXPLANATION IS A LENS (to supernaturalize is to view through a supernatural lens).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'to supernaturalize'?