Supernatural vs. Preternatural — What's the Difference?
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Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 27, 2024
Supernatural refers to phenomena beyond the known laws of nature, often involving magic or divine intervention, while preternatural suggests something beyond or different from what is natural, typically not involving divine or magical elements.
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Difference Between Supernatural and Preternatural
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Supernatural phenomena are understood to exist outside the boundaries of the natural world and its laws, often invoking the concept of divine or mystical forces. Examples include ghosts, deities, and magic. In contrast, preternatural phenomena, while also lying outside the normal experience, are not necessarily considered to involve supernatural forces or beings. Instead, they might be extraordinarily unusual but still potentially explainable through yet-undiscovered natural laws.
The supernatural realm is often associated with religious or spiritual belief systems, where entities and forces are deemed to operate on a plane of existence that transcends the physical world. This encompasses concepts like heaven, hell, and the power of deities. Preternatural, however, is more likely to be used in discussions about anomalies that don’t fit into current scientific understanding but don’t explicitly invoke spiritual or religious explanations. An example could be unexplained natural phenomena that seem to defy current scientific explanations but might still be understood through further scientific inquiry.
In literature and popular culture, supernatural elements are frequently central to genres like fantasy and horror, where they drive plot and character interactions with worlds beyond the familiar physical reality. Preternatural elements, while they can also appear in these genres, often take the form of mysterious but not explicitly magical or divine occurrences, suggesting that they could be explained if the characters or society had a greater understanding of the natural world.
The perception of what constitutes supernatural versus preternatural can be influenced by cultural and individual beliefs about the world and its workings. What one culture or individual may consider supernatural, involving gods or spirits, another might view as preternatural, simply unusual or rare within the natural order, hinting at the subjective nature of these categorizations.
Despite their differences, both concepts stimulate the human imagination and have been used throughout history to explain the unexplainable, to provide comfort or to invoke fear, showcasing humanity's endless fascination with what lies beyond the known and the seen.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Beyond natural laws, involving magic/divinity.
Beyond normal but not necessarily supernatural.
Examples
Ghosts, deities, magic.
Unexplained phenomena, anomalies.
Association
Religious/spiritual realms.
Extraordinary, possibly explainable by science.
Cultural Role
Central to fantasy, horror genres.
Mysterious occurrences, less defined by genre.
Perception
Transcends physical reality.
Unusual within natural order, not fully understood.
Compare with Definitions
Supernatural
Phenomena or beings that exist beyond the physical laws of nature.
The ancient texts spoke of supernatural beings controlling the elements.
Preternatural
Can be associated with unexplained scientific phenomena.
The preternatural behavior of the particles baffled physicists.
Supernatural
A staple in genres exploring fantasy, magic, and the divine.
The film featured a supernatural world hidden from human eyes.
Preternatural
Often involves anomalies or mysteries within the natural world.
The preternatural silence in the forest hinted at an unseen presence.
Supernatural
Can evoke wonder, fear, or spiritual contemplation.
Supernatural tales of ghosts have both frightened and fascinated people for centuries.
Preternatural
Situated at the edge of current scientific exploration.
The biologist referred to the rare species' abilities as preternatural, beyond what is typically seen in nature.
Supernatural
Invokes a realm beyond human understanding and control.
Supernatural forces were said to be at work in the haunted mansion.
Preternatural
Refers to phenomena that are extraordinary yet not considered supernatural.
The scientist described the discovery as preternatural, defying current understanding but potentially explainable.
Supernatural
Often linked to religious or spiritual beliefs.
Many cultures have supernatural explanations for the creation of the universe.
Preternatural
Suggests a degree of extraordinariness without invoking magic.
His ability to predict events was almost preternatural.
Supernatural
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 ).
Preternatural
Surpassing what is normal or usual; extraordinary
"Below his preternatural affability there is some acid and steel" (George F. Will).
Supernatural
(of a manifestation or event) attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature
A supernatural being
Preternatural
Transcending the natural or material order; supernatural.
Supernatural
Manifestations or events considered to be of supernatural origin, such as ghosts
A frightening manifestation of the supernatural
Preternatural
Beyond or not conforming to what is natural or according to the regular course of things; strange.
Supernatural
Of or relating to existence outside the natural world.
Preternatural
(dated) Having an existence outside of the natural world.
Supernatural
Attributed to a power that seems to violate or go beyond natural forces.
Preternatural
Beyond of different from what is natural, or according to the regular course of things, but not clearly supernatural or miraculous; strange; inexplicable; extraordinary; uncommon; irregular; abnormal; as, a preternatural appearance; a preternatural stillness; a preternatural presentation (in childbirth) or labor.
This vile and preternatural temper of mind.
Supernatural
Of or relating to a deity.
Preternatural
Surpassing the ordinary or normal;
Beyond his preternatural affability there is some acid and some steel
Supernatural
Of or relating to the immediate exercise of divine power; miraculous.
Preternatural
Existing outside of or not in accordance with nature;
Find transcendental motives for sublunary action
Supernatural
Of or relating to the miraculous.
Supernatural
That which is supernatural.
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.
In Roman Catholic theology, sanctifying grace is considered to be a supernatural addition to human nature.
Stephen King's first novel is about a girl named Carrie dealing with supernatural powers.
Supernatural
Not of the usual; not natural; altered by forces that are not understood fully if at all.
The house is haunted by supernatural forces.
Supernatural
(countable) A supernatural being
Supernatural
(uncountable) Supernatural beings and events collectively when used with definite article: "the supernatural"
Supernatural
Being beyond, or exceeding, the power or laws of nature; miraculous.
That is supernatural, whether it be, that is either not in the chain of natural cause and effect, or which acts on the chain of cause and effect in nature, from without the chain.
We must not view creation as supernatural, but we do look upon it as miraculous.
Supernatural
Supernatural forces and events and beings collectively;
She doesn't believe in the supernatural
Supernatural
Not existing in nature or subject to explanation according to natural laws; not physical or material;
Supernatural forces and occurrences and beings
Common Curiosities
What defines something as supernatural?
Defined by its existence outside natural laws, often involving entities or forces of a divine or magical nature.
How does preternatural differ from supernatural?
Preternatural phenomena are extraordinary but not necessarily outside natural laws, possibly explainable through science.
How do cultural beliefs influence the perception of supernatural vs. preternatural?
Cultural and individual beliefs play a significant role in categorizing phenomena as supernatural or preternatural.
How do supernatural beliefs affect human behavior?
They can profoundly influence behaviors, from everyday rituals to the foundations of moral and ethical systems.
Can preternatural phenomena become understood as natural over time?
Yes, as scientific knowledge advances, what was once considered preternatural can be explained naturally.
Is interest in the supernatural and preternatural universal among humans?
Yes, fascination with the unknown and unexplainable is a common aspect of human nature across cultures.
Why are supernatural themes so prevalent in media and literature?
They tap into universal questions about existence, the afterlife, and the unknown, engaging audiences' imaginations.
How do supernatural and preternatural concepts evolve?
They evolve with cultural, scientific, and philosophical changes, reflecting shifts in understanding and belief.
Do supernatural and preternatural phenomena overlap?
They can, especially in areas where our understanding is limited, but they are conceptually distinct.
Are supernatural explanations necessary for understanding the universe?
This depends on one's belief system; some see supernatural explanations as essential, while others rely on scientific inquiry.
What role does the preternatural play in scientific inquiry?
It represents phenomena at the frontier of current understanding, often driving further research and exploration.
Can a phenomenon be both supernatural and preternatural?
While conceptually distinct, some phenomena might be classified differently depending on the observer's perspective.
What impact does the supernatural have on society?
It influences cultural narratives, practices, and even policy, shaping collective understandings of the world.
Are there any phenomena once considered supernatural that are now explained scientifically?
Many, including various natural phenomena like lightning or diseases, were once attributed to supernatural causes but are now understood scientifically.
Can supernatural beliefs coexist with scientific understanding?
Many people integrate both into their worldview, seeing them as addressing different aspects of human experience.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
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Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.