preternaturally

[ pree-ter-nach-er-uh-lee, -nach-ruh-lee, pre- ]

/ ˌpri tərˈnætʃ ər ə li, -ˈnætʃ rə li, ˌprɛ- /

Save This Word!

adverb

in a way or to a degree that is beyond the ordinary course of nature; exceptionally or abnormally: Her voice, preternaturally deep, resonated off the walls like a terrible storm.

in a supernatural way or to a supernatural degree: The demons in this movie are of course preternaturally strong.

QUIZ

SHALL WE PLAY A "SHALL" VS. "SHOULD" CHALLENGE?

Should you take this quiz on “shall” versus “should”? It should prove to be a quick challenge!

Question 1 of 6

Which form is used to state an obligation or duty someone has?

shall

should

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of preternaturally

preternatural + -ly

OTHER WORDS FROM preternaturally

un·pre·ter·nat·u·ral·ly, adverb

Words nearby preternaturally

preterlegal, preterm, preterm infant, pretermit, preternatural, preternaturally, pretest, pretext, pretexta, pretexting, pretibial fever

How to use preternaturally in a sentence

After the preternaturally meticulous and patient Franklin made a name for herself in crystallography, she was hired to deconstruct DNA at King’s College.
One of the Most Egregious Ripoffs in the History of Science - Issue 107: The Edge|Kevin Berger|October 20, 2021|Nautilus
For all his preternatural ability, Jornet seems to feel almost guilty about his talents.
Kilian Jornet Has a New Book on His Epic Everest Quest|Nick Heil|September 29, 2020|Outside Online
Unlike the Hollywood version of genius, which is preternaturally cerebral, Hitchens was preternaturally visceral.
Remembering the Real Genius of Christopher Hitchens, Not the Caricature|Lee Siegel|December 18, 2011|DAILY BEAST
For the most part, however, she proved completely, almost preternaturally unflappable.
Sofia Coppola Plays It Cool|Richard Porton|December 20, 2010|DAILY BEAST

For the record, her long, golden locks are as preternaturally perfect as ever.
A Socialite's Revenge|Jacob Bernstein|March 9, 2010|DAILY BEAST
She was preternaturally animated and demonstrative at the station—your sex's little guileful way ever since the world began.
Jaffery|William J. Locke
Then she had almost fallen, and had declared him to be preternaturally cruel.
An Old Man's Love|Anthony Trollope
Far from it; he is a cleanly—almost a godly-hog, preternaturally fair of exterior, and eke fastidious of appetite.
The Fiend's Delight|Dod Grile
Her complexion grew transparent, her eye preternaturally bright.
The Life of Thomas Wanless, Peasant|Alexander Johnstone Wilson
But John was violently wrought upon; and most impressed of all was the small but preternaturally precocious Valeria.
The Open Question|Elizabeth Robins