Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a supernatural manner: In a way that relates to, is caused by, or is beyond the known laws of nature or the physical world. It describes actions, events, or qualities that cannot be explained by science or normal human experience.

Usage and Examples

• General Usage: The adverb "supernaturally" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate that the action or quality involves supernatural forces or phenomena.
  • The ghost appeared supernaturally in the middle of the room. (The manner of appearing was beyond natural laws.)
  • The artifact was supernaturally preserved, showing no signs of decay after centuries. (The preservation occurred by means beyond natural explanation.)
  • She was supernaturally beautiful, as if not of this world. (Her beauty was of a degree or kind that seemed beyond nature.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• Intensifier: In some contexts, "supernaturally" can function as an intensifier for adjectives, suggesting an extreme degree that seems almost impossible or miraculous.
  • He possessed a supernaturally sharp memory, recalling every detail from decades past.
• Contrast with "Preternaturally": While often used similarly to mean "extraordinarily," "supernaturally" explicitly invokes a cause outside of nature (e.g., gods, magic, spirits). "Preternaturally" more often suggests an exceptional degree that is still within the realm of the natural world, though exceedingly rare.

Variants and Related Words

• Supernatural (adjective): Of, relating to, or being above or beyond what is natural; unexplainable by natural law or phenomena.
  • They investigated supernatural events in the old house.
• Supernaturalism (noun): Belief in or the study of supernatural forces or beings.

Synonyms

• Preternaturally: In an extraordinary or exceptional manner; beyond what is normal or natural. (Note the nuanced difference explained above.)
• Miraculously: In a way that resembles or is caused by a miracle.
• Uncannily: In a strange or mysterious way, especially one that is unsettling.

Antonyms

• Naturally: In a way that accords with the ordinary course of nature; without artificial aid or supernatural intervention.
• Normally: Under normal or usual conditions.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• No direct common phrasal verbs or idioms are formed with the adverb "supernaturally." Its use is typically straightforward, modifying a specific verb or adjective within a sentence to convey a supernatural context.

Adverb

1. in a supernatural manner
   • she was preternaturally beautiful