supernatural

Everyday

1. Seeming to come from beyond the natural world, not explained by science, like ghosts, magic or spirits. tree →
2. (the supernatural) All things of this kind: ghosts, spells, monsters and spirits. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and films the supernatural brings fear and wonder: ghosts, witches, vampires and spells. In science lessons pupils learn to look for natural explanations and evidence instead of supernatural ones. Phrases: «supernatural powers», «the supernatural», «supernatural beings».

Examples

• The story is about a house with supernatural visitors. tree →
• The hero had supernatural powers and could fly. tree →
• Scientists look for natural causes, not supernatural ones. tree →
• Do you believe in the supernatural? tree →
• The old legend tells of a supernatural creature in the lake. tree →
• The noise wasn't supernatural — it was just the wind in the pipes. tree →
• Halloween stories are full of supernatural beings. tree →
• Their supernatural foe is a small gnome with a very long beard. tree →

Note

One word: «super» + «natural». Not the same as «unnatural» (not normal) or «superhuman» (beyond normal human strength). Myth trap: strange events usually have natural explanations; scientists test claims with evidence.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Tradition calls God's wonders "nifla'ot," marvels, and says they come from God's will and not from magic. In the primary lessons: In stories and films the supernatural brings fear and wonder: ghosts, witches, vampires and spells. In science lessons pupils learn to look for natural explanations and evidence instead of supernatural ones. Phrases: «supernatural powers», «the supernatural», «supernatural beings».

Examples

• It tends to be used of things that are marvelous, miraculous, or otherwise supernatural and extraordinary, i.e. that which defies the human ability to do or understand and must therefore be divine, e.g. [Deuteronomy 28:59], [Psalm 118:23], [Psalm 139:6]. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →

Note

One word: «super» + «natural». Not the same as «unnatural» (not normal) or «superhuman» (beyond normal human strength). Myth trap: strange events usually have natural explanations; scientists test claims with evidence.