Paranormal vs. Supernatural — What's the Difference?

Paranormal encompasses a wide range of phenomena beyond scientific explanation.

Supernatural phenomena are beyond natural explanation.

Paranormal refers to phenomena unexplained by current scientific knowledge.

Supernatural pertains to occurrences or beings that are beyond or contrary to nature.

Paranormal includes experiences outside of established scientific understanding.

Supernatural events or beings are considered to transcend the natural world.

Paranormal events are those that are inexplicable in terms of the natural world.

Supernatural encompasses things like magic, divine interventions, and ghosts.

Paranormal is subject to empirical investigation.

Supernatural is often rooted in religious or spiritual beliefs.

Paranormal events are purported phenomena described in popular culture, folk, and other non-scientific bodies of knowledge, whose existence within these contexts is described as beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding. Notable paranormal beliefs include those that pertain to extrasensory perception (for example, telepathy), spiritualism and the pseudosciences of ghost hunting, cryptozoology, and ufology.Proposals regarding the paranormal are different from scientific hypotheses or speculations extrapolated from scientific evidence because scientific ideas are grounded in empirical observations and experimental data gained through the scientific method.

The supernatural encompasses supposed phenomena or entities that are not subject to the laws of nature. It is derived from Medieval Latin supernaturalis, from Latin super- (above, beyond, or outside of) + natura (nature ).

Denoting events or phenomena such as telekinesis or clairvoyance that are beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding

(of a manifestation or event) attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature

Beyond the range of normal experience or scientific explanation

Manifestations or events considered to be of supernatural origin, such as ghosts

That (ostensibly) cannot be explained by what scientists know; supernatural; especially of or pertaining to ghosts, spirits, and supposed abilities like telepathy.

Of or relating to existence outside the natural world.

A person to whom paranormal powers are attributed.

Attributed to a power that seems to violate or go beyond natural forces.

Of or pertaining to parapsychology; pertaining to forces or mental processes, such as extrasensory perception or psychokinesis, outside the possibilities defined by natural or scientific laws; as, paranormal phenomena.

Of or relating to a deity.

Seemingly outside normal sensory channels

Of or relating to the immediate exercise of divine power; miraculous.

Not in accordance with scientific laws;

Of or relating to the miraculous.

That which is supernatural.

Above nature; beyond or added to nature, often so considered because it is given by a deity or some force beyond that which humans are born with.

Not of the usual; not natural; altered by forces that are not understood fully if at all.

(countable) A supernatural being

(uncountable) Supernatural beings and events collectively when used with definite article: "the supernatural"

Being beyond, or exceeding, the power or laws of nature; miraculous.

Supernatural forces and events and beings collectively;

Not existing in nature or subject to explanation according to natural laws; not physical or material;

Supernatural refers to phenomena that are beyond or above nature, often considered divine or otherworldly.

No, they can also appear in folklore, mythology, and non-religious cultural beliefs.

Paranormal investigators, sometimes scientists, and enthusiasts.

Often religious or spiritual figures.

No, they can also be fascinating or neutral.

Paranormal refers to phenomena unexplained by current scientific understanding.

Generally, no. Paranormal phenomena are subject to investigation but are not widely accepted by the scientific community.

Attempts are made using scientific tools, but results are often inconclusive.

No, it can also include events, places, and objects.

Yes, ESP (Extra-Sensory Perception) is generally considered paranormal.

Often, yes. Supernatural concepts are frequently tied to religious or spiritual beliefs.

Generally, yes. Miracles are often considered divine interventions and thus supernatural.

Sometimes, like in the case of UFOs.

They can be either, depending on cultural or religious context.

Paranormal is often portrayed in a scientific or investigative light, while Supernatural is frequently linked to religion, horror, or folklore.