Definition

Noun: An incorporeal being believed to have powers to affect the course of human events. This term refers to an entity that exists outside the known laws of nature and is thought to possess abilities beyond human understanding, often influencing worldly affairs.

Usage

The term "supernatural being" is used to categorize a wide range of entities from mythology, religion, and folklore. It is a formal and general term. * Many cultures have stories about a supernatural being that created the world. * The legend speaks of a supernatural being that guards the ancient forest. * Scholars study how the concept of a supernatural being varies across different belief systems.

Advanced Usage

• In academic discourse: The term is often used in anthropology, religious studies, and literature to discuss non-corporeal entities without specifying a particular theology.
  • The paper analyzes the role of the supernatural being in the epic narrative.
• As a hypernym: It serves as a broad category encompassing more specific terms.
  • Ghosts, angels, and demons are all considered types of supernatural being.

Variants and Related Words

• Supernatural (adj): Relating to phenomena or entities beyond the laws of nature.
  • They reported a supernatural occurrence in the old house.
• Deity (n): A god or goddess (a specific, often powerful type of supernatural being).
• Spirit (n): A non-physical entity, which can be a type of supernatural being.
• Entity (n): A general term for something with distinct existence, often used in philosophical or paranormal contexts.

Synonyms

• Divine being
• Spiritual entity
• Incorporeal being

Related Phrases

• Supernatural force: Often used when referring to an impersonal power rather than a conscious being.
  • They felt a supernatural force at work in the events.
• Higher power: A more abstract term often used in spiritual or non-specific religious contexts.

Noun

1. an incorporeal being believed to have powers to affect the course of human events