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 fairies, werewolves, vampires, zombies, and the Chupacabra.