Preternatural vs. Supernatural: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed & Dua Fatima || Updated on March 3, 2024
Preternatural contains beyond normal but explainable; Supernatural beyond natural laws, unexplainable.
Key Differences
Preternatural and supernatural both describe phenomena that lie outside the ordinary experience, yet they differ in their relationship to the natural world and human understanding. On the other hand, the supernatural refers to phenomena that exist or operate beyond the known laws of nature and the universe.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
Preternatural occurrences can sometimes be demystified with advances in science and knowledge, suggesting they are part of the natural world yet not fully understood, supernatural phenomena remain fundamentally inexplicable. The supernatural is often closely tied to religion, spirituality, and folklore, serving as a cornerstone for beliefs in powers and realms beyond human comprehension.
Dua Fatima
Mar 03, 2024
The distinction also reflects in the human response to these phenomena. Preternatural occurrences, being within the realm of potential understanding, often provoke curiosity and a desire for scientific investigation. In contrast, supernatural events typically evoke awe, wonder, or fear, and are more likely to be accepted on faith or belief rather than empirical evidence.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
The preternatural is sometimes seen as an intermediate category between the natural and the supernatural, suggesting a gradation of understandability and evidence. This categorization allows for a nuanced view of phenomena that are extraordinary but not entirely beyond the scope of human reason or potential comprehension.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
Comparison Chart
Definition
Beyond normal but potentially explainable.
Beyond the laws of nature and unexplainable.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
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Relationship to laws of nature
Challenges but does not defy natural laws.
Operates outside known natural laws.
Dua Fatima
Mar 03, 2024
Human understanding
May be demystified with scientific advancement.
Remains inexplicable despite knowledge gains.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
Associated phenomena
Unusual occurrences, anomalies.
Miracles, magic, divine actions.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
Preternatural and Supernatural Definitions
Preternatural
An event or phenomenon that is extraordinary but possibly explainable.
Scientists considered the rapid spread of the disease to be a preternatural occurrence.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
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Supernatural
Relating to beings or forces that cannot be explained by the laws of the natural world.
Legends of supernatural creatures like vampires have fascinated people for centuries.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
Preternatural
Beyond what is normal or natural but not supernatural.
The preternatural calmness of the sea before the storm puzzled the sailors.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
Supernatural
Attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature.
The supernatural tale spoke of ghosts haunting the ancient castle.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
Preternatural
Exceptional or unusual, but not beyond all understanding.
Her preternatural ability to predict market trends made her a legend in finance.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
Supernatural
Pertaining to or involving magic, miracles, or other unearthly phenomena.
The ancient texts contained spells of supernatural power.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
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Preternatural
Suggesting a degree of supernatural influence without direct attribution.
There was something preternatural about the way the clock stopped at the moment he passed away.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
Supernatural
Beyond the realm of the natural world or scientific explainability.
His survival after the accident was considered nothing short of supernatural.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
Preternatural
A category for phenomena on the border of scientific explanation.
The preternatural glow in the forest was later attributed to a rare type of bioluminescent fungus.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
Supernatural
Connected with religious or spiritual realms beyond human comprehension.
The saint was said to perform supernatural feats through divine intervention.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Preternatural
Surpassing the ordinary or normal;
Beyond his preternatural affability there is some acid and some steel
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Preternatural
Surpassing what is normal or usual; extraordinary
"Below his preternatural affability there is some acid and steel" (George F. Will).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Preternatural
Beyond or not conforming to what is natural or according to the regular course of things; strange.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Supernatural
Supernatural forces and events and beings collectively;
She doesn't believe in the supernatural
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Supernatural
Attributed to a power that seems to violate or go beyond natural forces.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Preternatural
Existing outside of or not in accordance with nature;
Find transcendental motives for sublunary action
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Supernatural
Of or relating to the immediate exercise of divine power; miraculous.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Supernatural
(uncountable) Supernatural beings and events collectively when used with definite article: "the supernatural"
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Supernatural
Not existing in nature or subject to explanation according to natural laws; not physical or material;
Supernatural forces and occurrences and beings
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is belief in supernatural phenomena common across cultures?
Yes, belief in supernatural phenomena is a common aspect across various cultures and religions, manifesting in diverse forms and narratives.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
Can preternatural events become understood over time?
Yes, preternatural events can sometimes be explained as scientific understanding advances, unlike supernatural events.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
Are supernatural phenomena always related to religious beliefs?
While not always, supernatural phenomena are often intertwined with religious or spiritual beliefs, attributing them to divine or mystical forces.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
How do preternatural and supernatural concepts affect literature and art?
These concepts inspire creativity, leading to rich narratives in literature, film, and art that explore the boundaries of reality and imagination.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
Do preternatural abilities exist in people?
While some claim to possess preternatural abilities, such as heightened intuition or exceptional skills, these claims often invite skepticism and demand scientific scrutiny.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
Can technology uncover supernatural phenomena?
While technology has advanced our understanding of the natural world, supernatural phenomena, by definition, remain beyond scientific explanation.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
Can a phenomenon be both preternatural and supernatural?
A phenomenon is typically categorized as one or the other based on current understanding; however, perceptions can shift with new insights or beliefs.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
Are there examples of preternatural phenomena being explained scientifically?
Many phenomena once considered preternatural, such as certain diseases or astronomical events, have been explained through scientific discovery.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
What role do supernatural concepts play in modern society?
Supernatural concepts continue to play a significant role in modern society, influencing entertainment, spirituality, and personal beliefs.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
What distinguishes preternatural from supernatural phenomena?
Preternatural phenomena are extraordinary but may be explainable with further knowledge, while supernatural phenomena defy natural laws and remain inexplicable.
Dua Fatima
Mar 03, 2024
Can supernatural beliefs influence human behavior?
Supernatural beliefs can significantly influence human behavior, shaping moral values, cultural practices, and personal decisions.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
Is interest in the supernatural increasing or declining?
Interest in the supernatural fluctuates, often influenced by cultural trends, scientific advancements, and global events.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
How do preternatural phenomena challenge our understanding of the world?
Preternatural phenomena challenge us to expand our scientific knowledge and reconsider what we consider normal or explainable.
Dua Fatima
Mar 03, 2024
How do scientists approach preternatural phenomena?
Scientists approach preternatural phenomena with curiosity and skepticism, seeking natural explanations through empirical research.
Dua Fatima
Mar 03, 2024
Why are supernatural themes popular in media and entertainment?
Supernatural themes captivate the imagination, offering escapism and exploring questions about existence, morality, and the unknown.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Co-written by
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
