What does supernormal mean?
Supernormal means beyond the ordinary range of what is normal, especially in relation to ability, perception, power, or performance. The term is used in academic and specialist writing to describe exceptional capacities without automatically asserting that they are supernatural. For example, psychologists may discuss supernormal memory, while investigators of alleged paranormal phenomena may refer to supernormal perception. Although people sometimes use the word informally for anything unusually impressive, it generally has a more technical and restrained tone than “extraordinary” or “superhuman.” Its principal contrast is with “subnormal,” meaning below the ordinary range. The word is also related etymologically to “normal” and “norm,” but in current usage it usually carries the additional implication of a clearly measurable or conspicuous departure from ordinary experience.
adjectiveBeyond what is normally observed or expected; greater than ordinary in degree, power, or ability.
- Existing beyond the ordinary or normal range
- Achieving or displaying an unusually high level of ability or performance
"The athlete's exceptional concentration gave her an almost supernormal level of control."
"Researchers studied the children for signs of supernormal musical ability."
"The story concerns a detective who can perceive clues through supernormal senses."
Supernormal is the cautious scholarly label for abilities that seem to exceed the limits of ordinary human performance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does supernormal come from?
Supernormal was formed in English from the prefix super-, meaning beyond or above, and normal, meaning according to the usual standard. The latter word entered Middle English from Latin normalis, “conforming to a rule or standard,” ultimately derived from Latin norma, meaning “rule” or “pattern.” The compound follows the same broad classical and medieval pattern as words such as supernatural and superfluous.
How supernormal is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon word. It is especially associated with psychology, parapsychology, and discussions of exceptional or paranormal abilities. It is more neutral and technical than the more familiar phrase 'beyond normal'.