adj
Uncommon
paranormal
Paranormal (adj) means Beyond what science can currently explain, especially involving ghosts, telepathy, or similar phenomena. Example: “The show investigates paranormal activity reported in old hotels.”
adj
1
Beyond what science can currently explain, especially involving ghosts, telepathy, or similar phenomena.
"The show investigates paranormal activity reported in old hotels."
"She claims to have had a paranormal experience during the seance."
noun
1
Paranormal phenomena collectively.
"He has spent his career researching the paranormal."
How to use paranormal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSpooky or unexplained stuff — ghosts, psychic powers, hauntings — that falls outside normal science.
Common pairings
paranormal activity
paranormal investigator
believe in the paranormal
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Word forms
- Plural
- paranormals
- Comparative
- more paranormal
- Superlative
- most paranormal
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The show investigates _____ activity reported in old hotels.
Etymology
From para- ("beyond") + normal; the term entered English around 1905 to describe events outside ordinary scientific explanation.
Class of 1905
paranormal joined the language around 1905.
See the full Class of 1905 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for paranormal
See all rhymes for paranormal →Frequently asked questions
What does “paranormal” mean?
The word “paranormal” means beyond what science can currently explain, especially involving ghosts, telepathy, or similar phenomena. In plain terms, spooky or unexplained stuff — ghosts, psychic powers, hauntings — that falls outside normal science.
How do you use “paranormal” in a sentence?
Here is “paranormal” used in a sentence: “The show investigates paranormal activity reported in old hotels.”
What part of speech is “paranormal”?
Depending on how it is used, “paranormal” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “paranormal” come from?
The word “paranormal” dates back to around 1905. From para- ("beyond") + normal; the term entered English around 1905 to describe events outside ordinary scientific explanation.
Is “paranormal” a common word?
“Paranormal” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “paranormal” have?
“Paranormal” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: beyond what science can currently explain, especially involving ghosts, telepathy, or similar phenomena.
