supernal

/sju:'pə:nl/

Thân thiện

A serene melody seemed to have a supernal quality.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to heaven or the divine; celestial: Describing something that is of, from, or like heaven or a divine realm.
   • Of exceptional quality or character; exalted: Describing something that is supremely excellent, lofty, or elevated in nature.

Usage and Examples

• Relating to the divine or celestial:

  • The choir's music had a supernal beauty that seemed to come from another world.
  • Ancient myths often speak of supernal beings descending to Earth.

• Of exceptional, lofty quality:

  • Her supernal wisdom was respected by all who knew her.
  • The artist aimed to capture not just the landscape, but its supernal essence.

Advanced Usage

• "Supernal" is a formal, literary word often used in religious, philosophical, or poetic contexts to evoke a sense of the heavenly, the divine, or the supremely excellent. It is not typically used in everyday conversation.
  • The philosopher wrote of a supernal realm of perfect forms and ideas.
  • In his grief, he sought comfort in supernal thoughts.

Variants and Related Words

• Supernally (adverb): In a supernal manner; celestially.
  • The light shone supernally through the stained glass.

Synonyms

• Celestial: Pertaining to the sky or heaven.
• Ethereal: Extremely delicate, light, and heavenly.
• Exalted: Elevated in rank, character, or status.
• Heavenly: Of or like heaven; divine.
• Sublime: Of such excellence or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe.

Antonyms

• Infernal: Relating to hell; fiendish.
• Earthly: Relating to the earth or human life; worldly.
• Mundane: Lacking interest or excitement; dull; of this earthly world rather than a heavenly or spiritual one.

Notes on Different Meanings

The two core meanings are closely linked. The primary sense is "of or from heaven" (e.g., supernal glory). The secondary sense of "lofty or supreme" (e.g., supernal intelligence) is an extension, implying a quality so high it seems divine or otherworldly.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. of heaven or the spirit
   • celestial peace
   • ethereal melodies
   • the supernal happiness of a quiet death
2. being or coming from on high
   • interpret the plague as a visitation from heaven, a supernal punishment for the sins of men

Từ đồng nghĩa

• celestial
• ethereal