preternatural

Pronunciation: /ˌpɹi.tɚˈnæt͡ʃ.(ə)ɹ.əl/

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective surpassing the ordinary or normal; - George Will
  2. adjective existing outside of or not in accordance with nature; -Aldous Huxley

Etymology

From preter- + natural, after Latin prēternātūrālis/praeternātūrālis, from praeter nātūram, from praeter (“beyond”) + nātūra (“nature”); compare supernatural.

In classic literature

Synonyms

uncanny

Semantic network

Similar
extraordinary

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