5 syllables: Pre, ter, nat, ur, al. Stress on nat.
prit-URR-nach-uh-ruhl
/ˌprɪˈtɜːrnætʃərəl/
Preternatural is pronounced prit-URR-nach-uh-ruhl (/ˌprɪˈtɜːrnætʃərəl/). It has five syllables (Pre-ter-nat-ur-al), with the stress on "nat". Preternatural is an adjective describing something beyond what is normally possible or natural, especially in a way that seems supernatural or exceptional. It conveys an sense of extraordinary or inexplicable quality, often implying a departure from ordinary human experience. The term is more literary or formal in tone and can carry an uncanny or awe-inspiring nuance.
adjectivePreternatural is an adjective describing something beyond what is normally possible or natural, especially in a way that seems supernatural or exceptional. It conveys an sense of extraordinary or inexplicable quality, often implying a departure from ordinary human experience. The term is more literary or formal in tone and can carry an uncanny or awe-inspiring nuance.
"Her preternatural calm in the midst of chaos impressed everyone."
"The detective’s preternatural ability to notice tiny details helped solve the case."
"The pianist exhibited a preternatural gift for rhythm that seemed almost supernatural."
Pronounce as pri-TEHR-nah-choo-ruhl (US) or pri-TAIR-nuh-CHOOR-uhl (UK). The primary stress is on the third syllable: pre-ter-NA-tur(al) with the key stress pattern on NA. IPA US: priˌtɜːrˈnætʃə.rəl; UK: priˌtæˈneɪt jʊə rəl? (simplified: pri-TAIR-nuh-CHUR-uhl). Focus on the /tɜːr/ vs /tæˈneɪt/, the second syllable carries the main secondary tension; the final -al is light. Audio cues: break into three parts: pre-ter-nat-ural; the /tʃ/ in -nat- is the key cluster linking to -tʃə-.
Common errors: 1) Dropping or softening the /t/ in ter-: say /tɜːr/ or /tæ/, not a soft d-like sound. 2) Misplacing stress on the wrong syllable: the natural is on the third syllable; keep the /ˈnætʃ/ strong rather than spreading stress equally. 3) Slurring the /tʃ/ into /tʃər/ or /tʃə/; ensure the /tʃ/ is crisp before the unstressed -ə-rəl ending. Corrections: practice with pauses to anchor the /tɜːr/ then elevate the /ˈnætʃ/; exaggerate the /tʃ/ moment slightly to rehearse the cluster. Use slow, careful articulation before speeding up.
US: tendency for rhoticity; the /r/ is pronounced after the /tɜː/ syllable, giving a longer /ɜːr/ plus rhotic ending. UK: non-rhotic or lighter rhotic influence; the /r/ is less prominent in some speakers, the /ɪ/ in -nat- may be shorter; the overall tempo slower. AU: often broader vowel quality; /eɪ/ can shift toward /eɪ/ in -nat-; final syllable may reduce to -əl with a softer /ə/ and a faint /l/. IPA references: US priˌtɜːrˈnætʃəɹəl, UK priˌtæˈnætjʊə(r)əl, AU priˌtɜːnæˈtʃʊəɹəl.
It blends a multi-syllabic stem with a tricky -næ-tʃə- cluster and a final -rəl that can be reduced in rapid speech. The main challenge is the abrupt shift from a dark, tense vowel in the second syllable to the palatal /tʃ/ onset and the subsequent schwa-like ending; maintaining crisp /t/ and /tʃ/ articulations while preserving accurate stress is subtle and easily mis-specified in everyday speech.
There is no silent letter in preternatural; all letters participate in the spoken form. The challenge lies in syllable rhythm and the cluster /tərˈnæ/ where the /t/ and /r/ interplay, and the /tʃ/ sound in -nAt-ation. The word’s four to five syllables require deliberate stress management and careful articulation of the /t/ before the /n/ cluster, as well as the final -əl sounding light and quick.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "Preternatural"!
Preternatural derives from the Latin primus? no, actually from Latin prefixes. It combines preter- from Medieval Latin præter- meaning 'beyond, past' with naturalis 'natural' from natura 'nature'. The earliest sense referred to something beyond nature, thus extraordinary or beyond ordinary natural powers. The term traveled into English in early-modern period, gaining a sense of surpassing the ordinary but not wholly supernatural; by 17th-18th centuries it often carried a slightly archaic or elevated connotation. In modern usage, preternatural frequently appears in literary, philosophical, or archaic contexts to describe abilities or phenomena that seem ahead of natural explanation but not necessarily in league with outright magic or the supernatural. The nuance sits between natural and miraculous, implying a remarkable but not strictly supernatural feature or capacity.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Preternatural" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Preternatural" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Preternatural" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Preternatural"
-ral sounds
-me) sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
