adjective / noun

supernatural

soo-per-NACH-rul/ˌsuːpərˈnætʃrəl/

Forces or phenomena beyond natural explanation.

The ghost passing through the closed door is a supernatural event in the story.

A translucent human ghost passes directly through a solid, closed door while a nearby woman recoils in astonishment.

Etymology

superLatinabove, beyond

+naturLatinnature, course of things

+alLatinrelating to

“Beyond nature” originally characterized divine or heavenly things, especially revelation. The same idea underlies the selected meaning: something exceeding the powers or laws by which nature ordinarily operates.

In context

Movies And Munchies2:46

I also like the semi- supernatural attributes that the jester possesses he's definitely a physical being but he can also quickly appear and disappear

The Jester (2023) Movie Review

More examples

She did not believe in supernatural powers.
The film explores fear of the supernatural.
They searched for a natural explanation before invoking the supernatural.

Forms

supernatural · supernaturals

supernaturally adverb — in a way beyond natural explanation

Similar words

paranormal: Often used for claimed psychic or unexplained phenomena.
miraculous: Suggests an extraordinary event, often attributed to divine action.