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Paranormal vs. Supernatural — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 11, 2023
Paranormal refers to phenomena unexplained by current scientific understanding, while Supernatural pertains to phenomena beyond or above nature, often attributed to divine or otherworldly forces.
Paranormal vs. Supernatural — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Paranormal and Supernatural

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Key Differences

Paranormal activities are those which cannot be explained by existing scientific theories. Supernatural occurrences, on the other hand, go beyond the bounds of natural law and are often linked to religious or mythical explanations.
The term Paranormal is generally used in a broader sense and may include a variety of phenomena like ESP, telepathy, and UFO sightings. Supernatural, however, often refers specifically to things like ghosts, angels, or miracles, which are considered to be of a divine or otherworldly nature.
Paranormal events are usually subject to investigation and scientific scrutiny. Supernatural events are more likely to be accepted as matters of faith or divine interventions and are less scrutinized scientifically.
In pop culture, Paranormal investigators seek evidence and explanations through scientific means, using tools like EMF meters. Supernatural stories often feature priests, shamans, or other spiritual figures as the authority on the phenomena.
Linguistically, Paranormal uses the prefix 'para-' meaning beside or beyond, focusing on what's beyond normal scientific understanding. Supernatural uses 'super-' meaning above or beyond, suggesting a transcendence above nature itself.
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Comparison Chart

Focus

Scientifically unexplained
Beyond natural law

Examples

ESP, UFOs
Ghosts, Miracles

Investigation

Scientific
Faith-based

Common Context

Scientific studies, pop culture
Religious texts, folklore

Linguistic Prefix

"Para-" (beside, beyond)
"Super-" (above, beyond)

Compare with Definitions

Paranormal

Paranormal encompasses a wide range of phenomena beyond scientific explanation.
Haunted houses are popular sites for paranormal investigation.

Supernatural

Supernatural phenomena are beyond natural explanation.
Many believe that miracles are examples of the supernatural.

Paranormal

Paranormal refers to phenomena unexplained by current scientific knowledge.
UFO sightings are often considered paranormal.

Supernatural

Supernatural pertains to occurrences or beings that are beyond or contrary to nature.
Angels are often considered supernatural entities.

Paranormal

Paranormal includes experiences outside of established scientific understanding.
Telepathy is classified as a paranormal ability.

Supernatural

Supernatural events or beings are considered to transcend the natural world.
The concept of an afterlife is a supernatural belief.

Paranormal

Paranormal events are those that are inexplicable in terms of the natural world.
Many consider Bigfoot to be a paranormal entity.

Supernatural

Supernatural encompasses things like magic, divine interventions, and ghosts.
Spells and hexes are often categorized as supernatural.

Paranormal

Paranormal is subject to empirical investigation.
Paranormal investigators use a range of equipment to collect data.

Supernatural

Supernatural is often rooted in religious or spiritual beliefs.
In many cultures, divine visions are considered supernatural.

Paranormal

Paranormal events are purported phenomena described in popular culture, folk, and other non-scientific bodies of knowledge, whose existence within these contexts is described as beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding. Notable paranormal beliefs include those that pertain to extrasensory perception (for example, telepathy), spiritualism and the pseudosciences of ghost hunting, cryptozoology, and ufology.Proposals regarding the paranormal are different from scientific hypotheses or speculations extrapolated from scientific evidence because scientific ideas are grounded in empirical observations and experimental data gained through the scientific method.

Supernatural

The supernatural encompasses supposed phenomena or entities that are not subject to the laws of nature. It is derived from Medieval Latin supernaturalis, from Latin super- (above, beyond, or outside of) + natura (nature ).

Paranormal

Denoting events or phenomena such as telekinesis or clairvoyance that are beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding
An investigator of the paranormal
A mystic who can prove he has paranormal powers

Supernatural

(of a manifestation or event) attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature
A supernatural being

Paranormal

Beyond the range of normal experience or scientific explanation
Such paranormal phenomena as telepathy.
A medium's paranormal powers.

Supernatural

Manifestations or events considered to be of supernatural origin, such as ghosts
A frightening manifestation of the supernatural

Paranormal

That (ostensibly) cannot be explained by what scientists know; supernatural; especially of or pertaining to ghosts, spirits, and supposed abilities like telepathy.

Supernatural

Of or relating to existence outside the natural world.

Paranormal

A person to whom paranormal powers are attributed.

Supernatural

Attributed to a power that seems to violate or go beyond natural forces.

Paranormal

Of or pertaining to parapsychology; pertaining to forces or mental processes, such as extrasensory perception or psychokinesis, outside the possibilities defined by natural or scientific laws; as, paranormal phenomena.

Supernatural

Of or relating to a deity.

Paranormal

Seemingly outside normal sensory channels

Supernatural

Of or relating to the immediate exercise of divine power; miraculous.

Paranormal

Not in accordance with scientific laws;
What seemed to be paranormal manifestations

Supernatural

Of or relating to the miraculous.

Supernatural

That which is supernatural.

Supernatural

Above nature; beyond or added to nature, often so considered because it is given by a deity or some force beyond that which humans are born with.
In Roman Catholic theology, sanctifying grace is considered to be a supernatural addition to human nature.
Stephen King's first novel is about a girl named Carrie dealing with supernatural powers.

Supernatural

Not of the usual; not natural; altered by forces that are not understood fully if at all.
The house is haunted by supernatural forces.

Supernatural

(countable) A supernatural being

Supernatural

(uncountable) Supernatural beings and events collectively when used with definite article: "the supernatural"

Supernatural

Being beyond, or exceeding, the power or laws of nature; miraculous.
That is supernatural, whether it be, that is either not in the chain of natural cause and effect, or which acts on the chain of cause and effect in nature, from without the chain.
We must not view creation as supernatural, but we do look upon it as miraculous.

Supernatural

Supernatural forces and events and beings collectively;
She doesn't believe in the supernatural

Supernatural

Not existing in nature or subject to explanation according to natural laws; not physical or material;
Supernatural forces and occurrences and beings

Common Curiosities

What does Supernatural mean?

Supernatural refers to phenomena that are beyond or above nature, often considered divine or otherworldly.

Are Supernatural events always religious?

No, they can also appear in folklore, mythology, and non-religious cultural beliefs.

Who investigates Paranormal events?

Paranormal investigators, sometimes scientists, and enthusiasts.

Who is the authority on Supernatural events?

Often religious or spiritual figures.

Are Paranormal events always scary?

No, they can also be fascinating or neutral.

What does Paranormal mean?

Paranormal refers to phenomena unexplained by current scientific understanding.

Is Paranormal scientifically proven?

Generally, no. Paranormal phenomena are subject to investigation but are not widely accepted by the scientific community.

Can Paranormal events be measured?

Attempts are made using scientific tools, but results are often inconclusive.

Is Supernatural limited to beings like ghosts and angels?

No, it can also include events, places, and objects.

Is ESP a Paranormal phenomenon?

Yes, ESP (Extra-Sensory Perception) is generally considered paranormal.

Is Supernatural religious?

Often, yes. Supernatural concepts are frequently tied to religious or spiritual beliefs.

Are miracles considered Supernatural?

Generally, yes. Miracles are often considered divine interventions and thus supernatural.

Do Paranormal phenomena include technology?

Sometimes, like in the case of UFOs.

Can Supernatural events be good or bad?

They can be either, depending on cultural or religious context.

How do the media portray Paranormal and Supernatural events?

Paranormal is often portrayed in a scientific or investigative light, while Supernatural is frequently linked to religion, horror, or folklore.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

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