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Supernaturally: meaning, definitions and examples

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supernaturally

 

[ˌsuː.pərˈnætʃ.ər.əl.i ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a magical or mystical way

In a manner that goes beyond what is natural or normal; inexplicably or extraordinarily.

Synonyms

magically, mystically, paranormally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
supernaturally

Occurs in situations where events or actions happen beyond the natural world, typically involving powers or beings that defy the laws of nature.

  • The hero gained his strength supernaturally, making him unbeatable.
  • The forest had supernaturally tall trees, unlike anything on Earth.
magically

Used when describing phenomena that are enchanting, often involving magic spells or wizardry, and typically evokes a sense of wonder and fairy-tale charm.

  • The castle appeared magically at the wave of a wand.
  • She sang so beautifully, it was as if the room had been magically transformed.
mystically

Refers to events or experiences that seem mysterious or spiritual, often associated with abstract or transcendent encounters.

  • The old temple had a mystically serene atmosphere.
  • She felt mystically connected to the ancient texts.
paranormally

Describes occurrences that fall outside of normal scientific explanation, often relating to ghosts, psychic phenomena, or unexplained events. This term can have a slightly eerie or negative connotation.

  • The house was paranormally active, with strange noises and ghostly apparitions.
  • Investigators tried to explain the paranormally moving objects.

Examples of usage

  • She was convinced that he possessed some supernaturally powers.
  • The door swung open supernaturally, as if moved by an unseen force.
  • The room was supernaturally cold, despite the blazing fire.
Context #2 | Adverb

to an extraordinary degree

To a degree that is beyond what is normal or expected; extremely.

Synonyms

exceptionally, extremely, unusually.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
supernaturally

Use this word when referring to something that defies natural laws or is related to magic, ghosts, or divine powers.

  • The house was believed to be supernaturally haunted
  • Her healing ability was supernaturally fast
extremely

Appropriate for situations where a high degree or intensity of something is being described, making it more intense than usual.

  • He was extremely tired after the marathon
  • The weather today is extremely hot
exceptionally

This word applies when describing someone or something that is significantly better than average or stands out positively.

  • She is an exceptionally talented musician
  • The student performed exceptionally well on the test
unusually

Used for situations that are not common, out of the ordinary, or deviate from the norm without necessarily implying a high degree.

  • The dog was behaving unusually this morning
  • It was unusually quiet in the office today

Examples of usage

  • She was supernaturally talented at playing the piano.
  • He managed to stay calm in a supernaturally stressful situation.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Latin, where 'super' means 'above' and 'naturalis' means 'nature', literally translating to 'above nature'.
  • It first appeared in English in the 14th century, reflecting beliefs in ghosts and magical forces outside of nature.
  • The prefix 'super-' suggests an enhancement or extraordinary quality, which is tied to the concept of the supernatural.

Cultural Beliefs

  • Many cultures have folklore involving supernatural beings like fairies, elves, and spirits that play integral roles in their traditions.
  • The concept of the supernatural is often a reflection of humanity’s curiosity and fear of the unknown, influencing art and literature worldwide.
  • In various religions, the supernatural often refers to divine entities or forces, like gods or angels, that interact with the natural world.

Literature

  • Works of literature often explore supernatural themes, like Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', which features witches and prophecies.
  • Modern horror fiction frequently utilizes the supernatural to evoke fear, as seen in Stephen King’s novels where unseen forces manipulate characters.
  • The supernatural has been a central theme in gothic literature, creating atmospheres rich with mystery and terror.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Ghostbusters' and 'The Sixth Sense' incorporate supernatural elements, showcasing how they capture audience fascination.
  • TV shows such as 'Supernatural' blend fantasy with everyday life, revealing how society embraces stories of the bizarre.
  • Comic books often depict superheroes who possess supernatural powers, blurring the lines between the ordinary and the extraordinary.

Psychology

  • Belief in the supernatural can be linked to existential questions about life and death, as people seek explanations for the unknown.
  • Some psychological theories suggest that supernatural beliefs can provide comfort, insulating individuals from life's uncertainties.
  • Research indicates that those who believe in the supernatural may find solace in the idea of an afterlife, affecting their mental well-being.

Translations

Translations of the word "supernaturally" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sobrenaturalmente

🇮🇳 अलौकिक रूप से

🇩🇪 übernatürlich

🇮🇩 secara supranatural

🇺🇦 надприродно

🇵🇱 nadprzyrodzenie

🇯🇵 超自然的に (ちょうしぜんてきに)

🇫🇷 surnaturellement

🇪🇸 sobrenaturalmente

🇹🇷 doğaüstü bir şekilde

🇰🇷 초자연적으로

🇸🇦 بشكل خارق للطبيعة

🇨🇿 nadpřirozeně

🇸🇰 nadprirodzene

🇨🇳 超自然地 (chāo zìrán de)

🇸🇮 nadnaravno

🇮🇸 yfirnáttúrulega

🇰🇿 сверхъестественно

🇬🇪 ზებუნებრივად

🇦🇿 qeyri-təbii şəkildə

🇲🇽 sobrenaturalmente

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,751 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.