preternatural
/,pri:tə'nætʃrəl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
The detective noticed the suspect's preternatural calmness during the interrogation.
Definition
- 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.
The detective noticed the suspect's preternatural calmness during the interrogation.
Adjective
- existing outside of or not in accordance with nature
- find transcendental motives for sublunary action-Aldous Huxley
- surpassing the ordinary or normal
- Beyond his preternatural affability there is some acid and some steel - George Will
- his uncanny sense of direction