You might have come across the word preternatural in books, movies, or conversations. But what does preternatural actually mean?
Understanding the preternatural meaning is useful for students, writers, and anyone interested in language or describing unusual events. Updated for 2026, this guide explains the term in simple words, with examples and common uses.
What Does Preternatural Meaning?
Preternatural is an adjective used to describe something beyond what is normal or natural, often extraordinary or exceptional.
In simple words:
Preternatural means unusual, extraordinary, or beyond ordinary human experience.
Example:
“She has a preternatural ability to solve complex puzzles.”
Meaning: She has an unusual or extraordinary skill that is beyond what most people can do.
Preternatural in Literature and Language
In writing and speech, preternatural often emphasizes:
Extraordinary talents or abilities
Unusual events or occurrences
Mysterious or uncanny phenomena
It is commonly used in literature, fantasy, and descriptive writing to convey something remarkable or beyond ordinary explanation.
Preternatural vs Supernatural
People often confuse preternatural with supernatural:
Preternatural: Extraordinary but still within the natural world
Supernatural: Beyond natural laws, often involving spirits, magic, or divine intervention
Example:
Preternatural strength: Extreme human ability beyond the usual
Supernatural strength: Magical or mystical power
Real-Life Examples of Preternatural
“He has a preternatural sense of timing in music.”
Meaning: His timing is exceptionally precise, almost beyond normal.“The athlete showed preternatural speed on the track.”
Meaning: His speed is extraordinary compared to average people.“She has a preternatural calm during emergencies.”
Meaning: Her calmness is unusually strong and impressive.
Common Misunderstandings
People sometimes misunderstand preternatural because:
They think it’s the same as supernatural
They assume it always refers to paranormal events
They overuse it to describe ordinary abilities
Clarification:
Preternatural describes something extraordinary, unusual, or beyond normal, but not necessarily magical or mystical.
Related Words
Words often connected to preternatural include:
Extraordinary
Exceptional
Uncanny
Remarkable
Out of the ordinary
These terms help describe skills, events, or phenomena that stand out from the norm.
FAQs
What does preternatural mean in simple words?
It means something extraordinary, unusual, or beyond what is normal.
Is preternatural the same as supernatural?
No. Preternatural is extraordinary but natural; supernatural involves mystical or magical forces.
Can preternatural describe human abilities?
Yes, it is often used for exceptional talents, skills, or traits.
Is preternatural used in everyday language?
It’s more common in literature, descriptive writing, and formal speech than casual conversation.
Can preternatural describe events?
Yes, unusual or remarkable events can also be described as preternatural.
Conclusion
The preternatural meaning is about extraordinary, unusual, or beyond-normal qualities. Whether describing talent, calmness, or remarkable events, it highlights things that stand out in an impressive way.
Have you ever witnessed a preternatural talent or event? Share your experience in the comments!