Supernatural vs. Superstition — What's the Difference?

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 ).

A superstition is any belief or practice considered by non-practitioners to be irrational or supernatural, attributed to fate or magic, perceived supernatural influence, or fear of that which is unknown. It is commonly applied to beliefs and practices surrounding luck, amulets, astrology, fortune telling, spirits, and certain paranormal entities, particularly the belief that future events can be foretold by specific (apparently) unrelated prior events.Also, the word superstition is often used to refer to a religion not practiced by the majority of a given society regardless of whether the prevailing religion contains alleged superstitions.

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

An irrational belief that an object, action, or circumstance not logically related to a course of events influences its outcome.

Manifestations or events considered to be of supernatural origin, such as ghosts

A belief, practice, or rite irrationally maintained by ignorance of the laws of nature or by faith in magic or chance.

Of or relating to existence outside the natural world.

A fearful or abject state of mind resulting from such ignorance or irrationality.

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

Idolatry.

Of or relating to a deity.

A belief or beliefs, not based on human reason or scientific knowledge, that events may be influenced by one's behaviour in some magical or mystical way.

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

(archaic) Excessive nicety; overscrupulousness.

Of or relating to the miraculous.

An excessive reverence for, or fear of, that which is unknown or mysterious.

That which is supernatural.

An ignorant or irrational worship of the Supreme Deity; excessive exactness or rigor in religious opinions or practice; extreme and unnecessary scruples in the observance of religious rites not commanded, or of points of minor importance; also, a rite or practice proceeding from excess of sculptures in religion.

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.

The worship of a false god or gods; false religion; religious veneration for objects.

Not of the usual; not natural; altered by forces that are not understood fully if at all.

Belief in the direct agency of superior powers in certain extraordinary or singular events, or in magic, omens, prognostics, or the like.

(countable) A supernatural being

Excessive nicety; scrupulous exactness.

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

An irrational belief arising from ignorance or fear

Being beyond, or exceeding, the power or laws of nature; miraculous.

Supernatural forces and events and beings collectively;

Not existing in nature or subject to explanation according to natural laws; not physical or material;