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Supernormal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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supernormal

[ˈsuːpərnɔːməl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Exceeding or beyond the normal; extraordinary

Synonyms

exceptional, extraordinary, remarkable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
supernormal

This word is often used in specialized or scientific contexts to describe something greatly exceeding the typical norms or standards.

  • The patient exhibited supernormal strength during the episode
extraordinary

Employed to highlight something that is beyond the ordinary or usual, often surprising and impressive.

  • His ability to solve complex equations in minutes is truly extraordinary
exceptional

Used to describe something that is unusually good, often in a positive or laudatory way. It can be applied to people, performances, skills, and more.

  • She has an exceptional talent for playing the piano
remarkable

This word is used to describe something that is worthy of attention or notice, often because it is unusual or impressive.

  • Her recovery from the illness was remarkable

Examples of usage

  • He displayed supernormal strength during the crisis.
  • The supernormal abilities of the character fascinated the audience.
  • The scientist discovered a supernormal phenomenon in the experiment.
Context #2 | Adjective

paranormal

Beyond what is scientifically explainable; having paranormal qualities

Synonyms

mysterious, paranormal, unexplainable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
supernormal

Use when referring to something that goes beyond what's considered normal or average, often in terms of abilities or achievements.

  • His supernormal strength allowed him to lift the car effortlessly.
  • The students' test scores were supernormal, far exceeding expectations.
paranormal

Ideal for describing phenomena or events that are outside the range of normal scientific explanation, often associated with the supernatural or ghostly activities.

  • The old house was rumored to be haunted with paranormal activity.
  • They conducted a paranormal investigation to find evidence of ghosts.
unexplainable

This fits situations where something cannot be explained by known facts or logic, leaving it open to various interpretations.

  • The sudden, unexplainable disappearance of the hiker left everyone baffled.
  • There was an unexplainable feeling of unease in the room.
mysterious

Best used when describing something that is difficult to understand or explain, often invoking curiosity or intrigue.

  • The mysterious disappearance of the ancient artifact puzzled the archaeologists.
  • She had a mysterious look in her eyes that made everyone curious.

Examples of usage

  • The supernatural events were described as supernormal by eyewitnesses.
  • Some people believe in supernormal powers beyond human understanding.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, 'supernormal stimuli' refer to exaggerated versions of natural stimuli that elicit stronger responses, like brightly colored food packaging.
  • Studies show that certain exaggerated sensory inputs can significantly influence human attraction and attention.
  • The concept helps explain phenomena such as why people may prefer certain artificial flavors or colors over their natural counterparts.

Pop Culture

  • Many superhero movies and comic books feature characters with 'supernormal' abilities, showcasing powers that exceed typical human capabilities.
  • Sitcoms often exaggerate normal situations to 'supernormal' levels for comedic effect, like wild misunderstandings or fantastical misadventures.
  • Television shows like 'The X-Files' explore supernormal phenomena, such as alien encounters and paranormal events, captivating audiences with the extraordinary.

Science

  • In biology, 'supernormal' can describe regeneration abilities observed in some species, like axolotls, which can regrow limbs.
  • Research into supernormal stimuli has implications for evolutionary biology, particularly in studying animal behavior and mating rituals.
  • The placebo effect can be considered a supernormal response in medicine where patients experience improvements beyond what was expected.

Literature

  • In literature, characters with supernormal qualities are often central to fantasy and science fiction genres, showcasing the exploration of human potential.
  • Classic literature has frequently depicted supernormal events, such as in magical realism, where ordinary life intertwines with extraordinary elements.
  • Authors like H.G. Wells and J.K. Rowling have created worlds where 'supernormal' occurrences challenge the ordinary understanding of reality.

Origin of 'supernormal'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'super-', meaning above or beyond, and 'normal', indicating the usual state.
  • It has roots in Latin and Old French, originally denoting things that surpass typical limitations.
  • The term emerged in English usage around the late 19th century, often linked to discussions of human abilities.

The word 'supernormal' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'super-' (meaning above or beyond) and 'normal'. It was initially used in psychology to describe sensory experiences that exceed the average range of sensitivity. Over time, the term has evolved to also encompass paranormal or extraordinary phenomena beyond the scope of regular human experience.

See also: abnormal, abnormality, normalcy, normality, normalization, normalize, normalizer, normally, paranormal.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,203 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.