Preternatural

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The preternatural or praeternatural is that which appears outside or beyond (Latin preter-) the natural. While this may include what is more commonly called the supernatural, it may also simply indicate extremity — an ordinary phenomenon taken 'beyond' the natural. One may have, for example, a preternatural desire, a preternatural curiosity, a preternaturally acute ear (sense of hearing), or even preternaturally big ears.

Often used to distinguish from the divine (supernatural) while maintaining a distinction from the purely natural. For instance, in theology, the angels, both holy and fallen, are endowed with preternatural powers. Their intellect, speed, and other characteristics are beyond human capacities but are still finite.

Other examples of preternatural creatures include werewolves, vampires and zombies.

See also

• Supernatural
• Paranormal
• Anomalous phenomena

References

External links

• "What is the difference between natural, preternatural and supernatural?" Possession and Exorcism, J.A. Fortea
• "Supernatural, preternatural, supranatural, unnatural" The Columbia Guide to Standard American English at Bartleby.com

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Last updated on Monday February 04, 2008 at 20:37:06 PST (GMT -0800)
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