preternatural

[pree-ter-nach-er-uhl, -nach-ruhl, pre-]

adjective

1. out of the ordinary course of nature; exceptional or abnormal.

   preternatural powers.

   Synonyms: unnatural, extraordinary, unusual
   Antonyms: usual, ordinary

2. outside of nature; supernatural.

preternatural

/ ˌpriːtəˈnætʃrəl /

adjective

1. beyond what is ordinarily found in nature; abnormal

2. another word for supernatural

Other Word Forms

• preternaturalness noun
• preternaturalism noun
• preternaturally adverb
• preternaturality noun
• unpreternatural adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preternatural¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Medieval Latin praeternātūrālis, adjective based on Latin phrase praeter nātūram “beyond nature”; preter-, natural

Word History and Origins

Origin of preternatural¹

C16: from Medieval Latin praeternātūrālis, from Latin praeter natūram beyond the scope of nature

Synonym Study

See miraculous.

Example Sentences

That head-down work ethic paid off on singles like “Back to Friends” and “Undressed,” which landed in winter and spring with a preternatural skill for hooks and emotional heft.

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At her husband’s funeral last month, she demonstrated preternatural poise addressing a stadium-sized crowd, extolling a traditional view of marriage in which he was the family’s spiritual leader while she maintained the home.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

From his teenage years, he’s shown a preternatural feel for the game, a singular ability to dictate action and flow.

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Altogether, he’s shedding his reputation as a bust and putting his preternatural talent on full display.

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He is a preternatural talent who continues to redefine his sport.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal