preternatural etymology

Etymology:

The word "preternatural" derives from the Late Latin "praeternaturalis," meaning "beyond the natural," which in turn comes from:

  • "praeter" (meaning "beyond")
  • "natura" (meaning "nature")

Meaning:

Preternatural refers to something that is beyond or outside the realm of the natural world. It typically describes phenomena, events, or beings that appear to violate the laws of nature or that have a supernatural or uncanny quality to them.

Origin:

The concept of the preternatural has existed in various cultures throughout history. In ancient Greece, the term "daimon" was used to refer to supernatural beings that were not gods but could influence human affairs. In the Christian tradition, the concept of the preternatural is often associated with miracles, demonic forces, and supernatural powers.

In the 16th century, the theologian Martin Luther distinguished between "natural" and "preternatural," arguing that the latter referred to phenomena that could not be explained by natural causes. This distinction became influential in Western thought and contributed to the modern understanding of the preternatural as something distinct from the natural world.

preternatural relate terms

  • natural

    Etymology The word natural comes from the Latin word natura which has a complex an

  • nature

    Etymology The word nature ultimately derives from the Latin word natura which means

  • history

    Etymology Greek ἱστορία historia inquiry knowledge acquired by investigati

  • supernatural

    Etymology The word supernatural is derived from the Latin phrase supernatūrālis wh

  • nature

    Etymology The word nature ultimately derives from the Latin word natura which means

  • supernal

    Etymology Latin supernalis adjective super above nalis relating to Ultima

  • supernal

    Etymology Latin supernalis adjective super above nalis relating to Ultima

  • preternatural

    Etymology The word preternatural derives from the Late Latin praeternaturalis meani

  • unnatural

    Etymology Middle English unnatural from Old French unnaturel from Latin innaturali

  • preter

    Etymology Latin praeter beyond by Meaning Beyond or in addition to Besides E

  • otherworldly

    Etymology Other adj from Old English oðer meaning different second World n

  • uncanny

    Etymology Uncanny derives from Middle English oncunnend meaning unknown or stran

  • mahatma

    Etymology The word Mahatma is a Sanskrit term derived from two root words Maha Mean

  • contentment

    Etymology Old French contentement from Late Latin contēntum neuter past participle

  • rest

    Etymology The word rest originates from the Old English word restan which means to

  • cool

    Etymology The word cool has an interesting etymology that traces back to the Old Englis

  • Renaissance

    Etymology The term Renaissance comes from the French word renaissance which means r

  • jukebox

    Etymology of Jukebox The term jukebox is a portmanteau word derived from the followi

  • protest

    Etymology The word protest comes from the Late Latin word protestari meaning to bea

  • fringe

    Etymology The word fringe comes from the Middle English word fringe which in turn d