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preternaturally

American  
[pree-ter-nach-er-uh-lee, -nach-ruh-lee, pre-] / ˌpri tərˈnætʃ ər ə li, -ˈnætʃ rə li, ˌprɛ- /

adverb

  1. 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.

  2. in a supernatural way or to a supernatural degree.

    The demons in this movie are of course preternaturally strong.


Other Word Forms

  • unpreternaturally adverb

Etymology

Origin of preternaturally

preternatural ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

What is certain is that “Now I Surrender” stubbornly fights against the kind of engagement its author is preternaturally good at arousing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

While other stars might dislike being photographed off the set, Dean, preternaturally sophisticated about creating an image, reveled in it.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 30, 2025

Maybe it’s because, unless you were born with a preternaturally unshakable self-confidence few of us can claim, there’s a touch of the underdog in all of us.

From Salon • Aug. 12, 2025

Such moments have allowed even one of the most preternaturally talented athletes of his generation to show a human side too.

From BBC • Jul. 16, 2025

It is quite possible that she did not believe in any other tendencies in humans, for while she was preternaturally alert in some directions she was completely blind in others.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck