The spelling of the word "supernaturalist" is somewhat tricky, as it has some unusual spellings and combinations of sounds. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /ˌsuː.pəˈnæ.tʃər.əl.ɪst/. The word consists of the prefix "super-", which means "above" or "beyond", followed by the root "natural", meaning the world of the senses or the physical world. The suffix "-ist" indicates a profession or pursuit. Altogether, the word refers to someone who believes in or studies supernatural phenomena, such as ghosts, spirits, or magic.
A supernaturalist is a person who believes in, acknowledges, or studies phenomena that are beyond the realm of natural laws, principles, or explanations. In their worldview, they attribute certain events, forces, or entities to supernatural or divine entities, often accepting the existence of supernatural beings such as gods, demons, spirits, or other mystical forces. These individuals commonly hold supernatural beliefs based on faith, religious doctrine, or personal experiences.
Supernaturalists often reject the notion that everything can be explained solely through rational or scientific means. They believe that there is a higher and transcendent reality that exists beyond the grasp of human comprehension. These individuals may subscribe to religious or spiritual systems, such as various forms of theism, animism, or shamanism, which often involve rituals, ceremonies, prayers, or mediation to connect with and gain favor from supernatural forces.
Alongside their acknowledgment of the supernatural, supernaturalists may interpret events or phenomena as influenced by divine intervention rather than solely as consequences of natural cause and effect. This can extend to miracles, unexplained or extraordinary occurrences that cannot be accounted for by ordinary natural laws.
In summary, a supernaturalist is someone who believes in and studies phenomena and forces beyond natural explanations, attributing them to supernatural entities. This belief system encompasses various religious, spiritual, and ritualistic practices while challenging the notion that everything can be fully explained by science and rational thought.
One who holds the principles.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "supernaturalist" is derived from the combination of two root words: "super" and "naturalist".
- The prefix "super-" comes from the Latin word "super", meaning "above" or "beyond". It conveys a sense of something that transcends or goes beyond the usual or natural.
- The word "naturalist" originates from the Latin word "natura", which refers to "nature" or the natural world. A naturalist is someone who studies and observes nature, typically including plants, animals, and the environment.
When these two terms are combined, "supernaturalist" refers to a person who believes in or studies phenomena that are beyond or outside the realm of the natural world—things that are considered supernatural or beyond what is explained by natural laws.