What does preternaturally mean?
Preternaturally is an adverb meaning in a way that exceeds what is natural, ordinary, or readily explainable. It often describes an uncanny, almost supernatural quality, as in a house that is preternaturally quiet or a person who remains preternaturally calm. In contemporary writing, however, the word is frequently used more broadly to emphasize an extraordinary degree of a normal quality: a preternaturally successful artist or a preternaturally precise memory. Its formal, literary tone gives descriptions a heightened, slightly mysterious character, while its meaning can range from genuinely supernatural to merely remarkable. The adverb derives from “preternatural,” which means beyond the natural, and is especially useful when a writer wants to make an ordinary observation feel strange, intensified, or beyond ordinary explanation.
adverbIn a way that is beyond what is natural, normal, or ordinary; supernaturally or remarkably.
- Beyond what is natural, normal, or expected; in a supernaturally remarkable or uncanny way.
"The calm of the old house seemed almost preternaturally still."
"The lighthouse appeared preternaturally bright in the storm."
"She remained preternaturally composed while the entire office was evacuated."
Preternaturally describes the uncanny feeling that something familiar is operating on a level just beyond ordinary reality.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does preternaturally come from?
The word comes from the adjective “preternatural,” formed through Latin elements meaning “beyond” and “natural.” “Preternatural” developed in English during the early 17th century in contexts involving what lies beyond the ordinary course of nature. Its cognate relatives include “natural,” “nature,” and “supernatural,” all associated with the Latin root for nature.
Related word forms
How preternaturally is actually used
This is a literary and somewhat formal word. It can suggest either supernatural agency or, more often in modern usage, an extraordinary degree of some quality.
Easily confused with preternaturally
Preternaturally describes something extraordinarily or uncannily beyond the ordinary, while supernaturally specifically suggests intervention or powers beyond nature.
Preternaturally often conveys striking or remarkable abnormality, whereas unnaturally can simply mean artificial, affected, or contrary to nature.