praeter-

beyond

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A massive earth-crusted boulder hangs unsupported above a grassy hollow, with a broad, unmistakable air gap and its shadow directly beneath it—an ordinary natural object behaving impossibly.

adjective

preternatural

pret-er-NATCH-rul/ˌpretərˈnætʃrəl/

Beyond what is normal or natural, often in an uncanny way.

Etymology

preterLatinbeyond

+naturLatinnature

+alLatinof, relating to

Literally “beyond nature,” the word describes something outside nature’s ordinary course. It can mark an extraordinary departure from what is normal, as well as something beyond ordinary natural explanation.

Full entry

Related word entries

preternatural