supernatural

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   supernatural forces and events and beings collectively

   I don't believe in the supernatural.

2. 2
   adj

   Above nature; beyond or added to nature, often so considered because it is given by a deity or some force beyond that with which humans are born.

   Near-synonym: paranatural

3. 3
   adj

   Not of the usual; not natural; altered by forces that are not understood fully, if at all.

   Near-synonym: paranatural

4. 4
   noun

   Supernatural beings and events collectively (when used with definite article: "the supernatural")

   Dr Johnson defended Shakespeare's use of the supernatural from the charge of implausibility on the grounds that, "The reality of witchcraft … has in all ages and countries been credited by the common people, and in most by the learned."

5. 5
   adj

   not existing in nature or subject to explanation according to natural laws

6. 6
   noun

   A supernatural being

Etymology

From Middle English supernatural, supernaturel, from Middle French supernaturel, from Latin supernātūrālis, from super (“above”) + nātūra (“nature; that which we are born with”), from nātus (“born”), perfect passive participle of nāscī (“to be born”) + adjective suffix -ālis. By surface analysis, super- + natural.