preternatural
What does "preternatural" mean?
"Preternatural" describes something that is beyond what is natural or explainable by the ordinary laws of nature. It carries an eerie, uncanny quality, suggesting that while the event is not strictly supernatural (like a ghost), it feels so strange or out of place that it defies a logical, scientific explanation. In usage, the word is often paired with nouns like "calm," "ability," or "silence." It is a formal, literary term used to heighten the sense of mystery or awe. You would use it when you want to emphasize that something is unusually precise, intense, or strange, far exceeding what one would normally expect from the natural world.
"preternatural" in conversation
Observing a prodigy
Did you see how he solved that equation in seconds?
Did you see how he solved that equation in seconds?
It’s preternatural. I’ve never seen a mind work like that.
It’s preternatural. I’ve never seen a mind work like that.
Used to describe a talent that seems beyond human limits.
A sudden silence
The forest went completely still the moment we stepped inside.
The forest went completely still the moment we stepped inside.
Yes, a preternatural silence. It felt like the trees were holding their breath.
Yes, a preternatural silence. It felt like the trees were holding their breath.
Used to describe an atmospheric, unsettling stillness.
"preternatural" in a sentence
She possessed a preternatural sense of direction and never needed a map.
She possessed a preternatural sense of direction and never needed a map.
The preternatural calm before the storm left the villagers feeling deeply uneasy.
The preternatural calm before the storm left the villagers feeling deeply uneasy.
His ability to anticipate his opponent's every move seemed almost preternatural in its precision.
His ability to anticipate his opponent's every move seemed almost preternatural in its precision.
