Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Existing outside of or not in accordance with nature: Refers to something that is beyond what is normal or natural, often suggesting a supernatural or inexplicable quality.
   • Surpassing the ordinary or normal: Describes an ability, quality, or occurrence that is extraordinary, exceptional, or uncanny.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:
  • The detective had a preternatural ability to solve the most complex cases. (Here, "preternatural" describes an extraordinary ability that seems beyond normal human capacity.)
  • There was a preternatural silence in the ancient forest. (This use describes a silence that is eerie and unnatural.)
  • Her preternatural calm during the crisis inspired everyone. (This indicates a calmness that is remarkably beyond the ordinary.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• Philosophical/Formal Context: Often used in formal, literary, or philosophical writing to describe phenomena that challenge natural explanation.
  • The philosopher argued that consciousness might have a preternatural aspect not fully explained by science.
• Distinction from "Supernatural": While closely related, "preternatural" often describes exceptional qualities the natural world that seem to push its boundaries, whereas "supernatural" more definitively implies forces or beings the natural world.
  • His preternatural memory allowed him to recall every detail. (Exceptional but within human potential.)
  • Ghosts are considered supernatural entities. (Outside the natural order.)

Variants and Related Words

• Preternaturally (adverb): In a preternatural manner.
  • The house was preternaturally quiet.

Synonyms

• Uncanny: Strange or mysterious, especially in an unsettling way.
• Supernatural: Attributable to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature.
• Extraordinary: Very unusual or remarkable.
• Abnormal: Deviating from what is normal or usual.

Antonyms

• Natural: Existing in or derived from nature; not made or caused by humankind.
• Ordinary: With no special or distinctive features; normal.
• Commonplace: Not unusual; ordinary.

Idiomatic Expressions and Phrases

• Preternatural sense/awareness: A common collocation describing an exceptionally sharp intuition or perception.
  • Many great artists have a preternatural sense of color and form.
• Preternatural strength/skill: Used to describe physical or mental abilities that are phenomenally advanced.
  • The legend spoke of a warrior with preternatural strength.

Adjective

1. existing outside of or not in accordance with nature
   • find transcendental motives for sublunary action-Aldous Huxley
2. surpassing the ordinary or normal
   • Beyond his preternatural affability there is some acid and some steel - George Will
   • his uncanny sense of direction