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Occult vs Supernatural - What's the difference?

occult | supernatural |

As adjectives the difference between occult and supernatural

is that occult is secret; hidden from general knowledge; undetected while supernatural is above nature; that which is 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.

As nouns the difference between occult and supernatural

is that occult is usually with the Supernatural affairs while supernatural is a supernatural being.

As a verb occult

is to cover or hide from view.

occult

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • (astronomy) To cover or hide from view.
    • The earth occults the moon during a lunar eclipse.
  • (rare) To dissimulate, conceal, or obfuscate.

    • Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (lb) Secret; hidden from general knowledge; undetected
  • :
  • *(Isaac Taylor) (1787–1865)
  • *:It is of an occult kind, and is so insensible in its advances as to escape observation.
  • Related to the occult; pertaining to mysticism, magic, or astrology.
  • Esoteric.
  • *
  • *:Elbows almost touching they leaned at ease, idly reading the almost obliterated lines engraved there. ¶ ("I never) understood it," she observed, lightly scornful. "What occult meaning has a sun-dial for the spooney? I'm sure I don't want to read riddles in a strange gentleman's optics."

    • Derived terms

    * occult line

    Noun

    (-)
  • Supernatural affairs.

    • Related terms

    * occultation

    supernatural

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Above nature; that which is 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, is considered to be a supernatural addition to human nature.
  • Not of the usual; not natural; altered by forces that are not understood fully if at all.
    • The house is haunted by supernatural forces.
  • Neither visible nor measurable.

    • Synonyms

    * extraordinary, paranormal, preternatural, supranatural, unnatural

    Antonyms

    * ordinary * natural

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (countable) A supernatural being.
  • (uncountable) Supernatural beings and events collectively.
  • * 2012 , Blake Morrison, The Guardian , [http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/jul/20/blake-morrison-under-the-witches-spell?INTCMP=SRCH]:
    • Dr Johnson defended Shakespeare's use of the supernatural from the charge of implausibility on the grounds that, "The reality of witchcraft … has in all ages and countries been credited by the common people, and in most by the learned."