Supernatural vs Preternatural: Which One Is The Correct One?

Are you confused about the difference between supernatural and preternatural? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two and help you understand when to use each one.

Let’s define our terms. Supernatural refers to anything that is beyond the laws of nature. This can include ghosts, spirits, and other entities that are believed to exist outside of our physical world. Preternatural, on the other hand, refers to anything that is beyond what is considered normal or natural, but still within the realm of possibility. This can include superhuman abilities or unusual phenomena that can be explained by science, but are still considered rare or extraordinary.

So which term is the “proper” word? The answer is that it depends on the context. If you’re talking about something that is clearly beyond the laws of nature, then supernatural is the appropriate term. However, if you’re talking about something that is simply unusual or extraordinary, but still within the realm of possibility, then preternatural is more appropriate.

Now that we’ve defined our terms, let’s dive deeper into the differences between supernatural and preternatural. In the rest of this article, we’ll explore some examples of each and discuss how they differ from one another.

Define Supernatural

The term supernatural refers to phenomena or events that are beyond the natural realm and cannot be explained by science or physical laws. It is often associated with religious or spiritual beliefs and is characterized by a sense of awe and mystery. Supernatural events are believed to be caused by divine or mystical forces and are often seen as miraculous or divine interventions in the natural world.

Define Preternatural

Preternatural refers to events or phenomena that are outside the normal range of human experience but can still be explained by natural laws. Unlike supernatural events, preternatural events do not involve divine or mystical forces but are instead the result of natural occurrences that are not yet fully understood by science. Examples of preternatural events include telekinesis, telepathy, and other psychic abilities that are not yet fully understood by science.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to discussing paranormal phenomena, it’s important to use the right terminology to accurately convey your message. Two commonly confused terms are “supernatural” and “preternatural.” In this section, we’ll explore the proper use of each word in a sentence.

How To Use “Supernatural” In A Sentence

The term “supernatural” refers to anything that is beyond the laws of nature. This can include ghosts, demons, and other entities that are believed to exist outside of our physical world. When using “supernatural” in a sentence, it’s important to make it clear that you are referring to something that is not bound by the laws of physics.

For example:

• “The ghostly apparition was a clear example of supernatural activity.”
• “The supernatural powers of the witch were beyond comprehension.”
• “The supernatural realm exists beyond our physical world.”

By using “supernatural” in these contexts, you are clearly indicating that you are referring to something that is beyond the natural world.

How To Use “Preternatural” In A Sentence

The term “preternatural” is often used interchangeably with “supernatural,” but it actually has a slightly different meaning. “Preternatural” refers to anything that is beyond what is considered normal or natural, but is still within the realm of possibility.

For example:

• “The preternatural strength of the athlete was awe-inspiring.”
• “The preternatural calm of the soldier in battle was remarkable.”
• “The preternatural abilities of the psychic were difficult to explain.”

In these sentences, “preternatural” is used to describe something that is exceptional or extraordinary, but not necessarily supernatural. By using “preternatural” instead of “supernatural,” you are indicating that the phenomenon is still within the realm of possibility, even if it is uncommon or exceptional.

More Examples Of Supernatural & Preternatural Used In Sentences

As we delve deeper into the meanings of supernatural and preternatural, it’s important to understand how they can be used in sentences. Here are some examples:

Examples Of Using Supernatural In A Sentence

• The ghostly apparition was a clear example of supernatural phenomena.
• She claimed to have supernatural powers that allowed her to communicate with the dead.
• The supernatural elements in the novel added an eerie and unsettling tone to the story.
• Despite their best efforts, the scientists could not explain the supernatural events that occurred in the laboratory.
• The supernatural forces at play were too powerful for the mortal characters to overcome.
• The supernatural realm was depicted as a dark and foreboding place in the movie.
• The supernatural creatures in the fantasy novel were both terrifying and fascinating.
• The supernatural abilities of the superhero allowed him to save the city from destruction.
• Many people believe in the existence of supernatural beings such as ghosts and demons.
• The supernatural occurrences in the old mansion were enough to make anyone’s hair stand on end.

Examples Of Using Preternatural In A Sentence

• The preternatural strength of the monster made it nearly impossible to defeat.
• Her preternatural intelligence allowed her to solve the puzzle in record time.
• The preternatural calm of the surgeon helped put the patient at ease before the operation.
• The preternatural beauty of the sunset took our breath away.
• His preternatural ability to predict the weather made him a valuable asset to the farming community.
• The preternatural speed of the athlete made him a force to be reckoned with on the track.
• The preternatural sense of smell of the bloodhound made him the perfect candidate for the search and rescue team.
• The preternatural silence of the forest was broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves.
• The preternatural glow of the moon made the night seem almost magical.
• His preternatural talent for music made him a prodigy at a young age.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to discussing the paranormal, there are many terms that are often used interchangeably, but in reality have distinct meanings. One of the most common mix-ups is between the terms supernatural and preternatural. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when using these terms, and why they are incorrect:

Using Supernatural And Preternatural Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using supernatural and preternatural interchangeably. While both terms refer to phenomena that are beyond the natural world, there are some key differences between them.

The term supernatural refers to anything that is outside the laws of nature. This can include things like ghosts, demons, and other entities that are believed to exist beyond the physical realm. Supernatural events are often associated with religious or spiritual beliefs.

On the other hand, preternatural refers to anything that is beyond what is normally possible within the laws of nature, but not necessarily outside of those laws. This can include things like telekinesis, clairvoyance, and other psychic abilities that are not fully understood by science.

While there is some overlap between the two terms, it is important to understand the distinction between them in order to use them correctly.

Assuming All Paranormal Phenomena Are Supernatural

Another common mistake is assuming that all paranormal phenomena are supernatural in nature. While many supernatural events are paranormal, not all paranormal events are supernatural.

For example, sightings of UFOs or cryptids like Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster are considered paranormal, but they are not necessarily supernatural. These phenomena could potentially be explained by natural causes or scientific explanations that we simply don’t understand yet.

Offering Tips To Avoid Common Mistakes

Here are some tips to help you avoid making these common mistakes:

• Take the time to research and understand the differences between supernatural and preternatural phenomena
• Be cautious when making assumptions about paranormal events and try to consider all possible explanations, including natural ones
• Use the terms supernatural and preternatural correctly in order to avoid confusion and miscommunication

By following these tips, you can avoid some of the most common mistakes people make when discussing the paranormal.

Context Matters

When it comes to discussing phenomena that are beyond the natural world, the terms supernatural and preternatural are often used interchangeably. However, the choice between these two terms can depend on the context in which they are used. Understanding this difference can help us to better communicate our ideas and thoughts about these phenomena.

Supernatural Vs. Preternatural

Before we delve into the contextual differences between these two terms, let’s first define them. The supernatural refers to events or phenomena that are beyond the laws of nature and cannot be explained by science. Preternatural, on the other hand, refers to events or phenomena that are outside of what is considered natural but can potentially be explained by science.

While the distinction may seem subtle, it can have a significant impact on how we use these terms in different contexts.

Examples Of Different Contexts

One context in which the choice between supernatural and preternatural can be important is in literature. In a horror novel, for example, the use of the term supernatural might be more appropriate when describing a ghostly apparition that cannot be explained by science. However, in a science fiction novel, the term preternatural might be more fitting when describing a creature that is not of this world but can still be explained by advanced technology or extraterrestrial life.

Another context in which the choice between these terms can matter is in religious or spiritual discussions. In some belief systems, the term supernatural might be used to describe divine intervention or miracles that cannot be explained by science. In other belief systems, the term preternatural might be used to describe phenomena that are believed to be caused by spiritual forces but can potentially be understood through spiritual practices or rituals.

Understanding the nuances between the terms supernatural and preternatural can help us to communicate our ideas more effectively in different contexts. By considering the context in which we are using these terms, we can choose the most appropriate term to accurately convey our thoughts and ideas about phenomena that are beyond the natural world.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the terms supernatural and preternatural are generally used to describe phenomena that are beyond the natural world, there are some exceptions to their usage. Here are some cases where the rules for using these terms might not apply:

1. Cultural Differences

One exception to the rules for using supernatural and preternatural is cultural differences. What is considered supernatural or preternatural in one culture might not be the same in another. For example, in some cultures, the ability to communicate with the dead might be considered preternatural, while in others, it might be considered supernatural. Similarly, some cultures might consider the ability to control the elements as preternatural, while others might consider it supernatural.

2. Scientific Advancements

Another exception to the rules for using supernatural and preternatural is scientific advancements. As science progresses and our understanding of the natural world expands, what was once considered supernatural or preternatural might become explainable by science. For example, the ability to levitate might have been considered supernatural in the past, but with advancements in technology, we now know that it can be achieved through the use of magnets.

3. Personal Beliefs

Personal beliefs can also be an exception to the rules for using supernatural and preternatural. Some people might believe in phenomena that others do not consider to be supernatural or preternatural. For example, some people might believe in the existence of ghosts, while others do not. Similarly, some people might believe in the ability to communicate with animals, while others do not.

It is important to note that while there are exceptions to the rules for using supernatural and preternatural, these terms are still useful in describing phenomena that are beyond the natural world. They provide a way to differentiate between events that can be explained by science and those that cannot.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have a better understanding of the difference between supernatural and preternatural, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these terms in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either supernatural or preternatural:

1. The ___________ abilities of the superhero were beyond human comprehension.
2. Some people believe in ___________ beings like ghosts and demons.
3. The ___________ strength of the monster was enough to lift a car.
4. The magician’s ___________ powers allowed him to levitate objects.
5. Psychics claim to have ___________ abilities like telepathy and clairvoyance.

Answer Key:

1. preternatural
2. supernatural
3. supernatural
4. supernatural
5. preternatural

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using either supernatural or preternatural:

Answer Key:

1. The werewolf’s ___________ abilities were feared by all who encountered him.
2. Some people believe in ___________ creatures like unicorns and dragons.
3. The ghost’s ___________ presence could be felt throughout the haunted house.
4. The vampire’s ___________ strength allowed him to overpower his prey.
5. The psychic’s ___________ abilities allowed her to predict the future with startling accuracy.

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of supernatural and preternatural in sentences. Remember to always consider the context and connotations of each term when using them in your writing.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between supernatural and preternatural, it is clear that these two terms are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings.

Supernatural refers to things that are beyond the laws of nature and cannot be explained by science or reason. Examples of supernatural phenomena include ghosts, demons, and psychic abilities.

Preternatural, on the other hand, refers to things that are beyond what is normal or natural, but can still be explained by science or reason. Examples of preternatural phenomena include extreme athletic abilities and exceptional intelligence.

It is important for writers and speakers to use these terms correctly to avoid confusion and to accurately convey meaning. By understanding the differences between supernatural and preternatural, we can communicate more effectively and precisely.

Key Takeaways:

• Supernatural refers to things that are beyond the laws of nature and cannot be explained by science or reason.
• Preternatural refers to things that are beyond what is normal or natural, but can still be explained by science or reason.
• Using these terms correctly is important for clear communication.

As with any aspect of language and grammar, there is always more to learn. By continuing to study and improve our language use, we can become more effective communicators and better understand the world around us.