What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Supernatural vs Metaphysic - What's the difference?

supernatural | metaphysic |

As adjectives the difference between supernatural and metaphysic

is that 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 while metaphysic is metaphysical.

As nouns the difference between supernatural and metaphysic

is that supernatural is a supernatural being while metaphysic is the field of study of metaphysics.

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."

    metaphysic

    English

    Alternative forms

    * metaphysick (obsolete)

    Adjective

    (-)
  • (philosophy, archaic) Metaphysical.
  • * , "Ode on Science," lines 32-33:
  • Bring sweet philosophy along,
    In metaphysic dreams.

    Noun

  • (philosophy, uncountable, archaic) The field of study of metaphysics.
  • * 1876 , Editor, "Prefatory Words," Mind , vol. 1, no. 1, p. 5:
  • With reference to general Philosophy or Metaphysic proper, psychology may be viewed as a kind of common ground whereon thinkers of widely different schools may meet.
  • (philosophy, countable) The metaphysical system of a particular philosopher or of a particular school of thought.
  • * 1775 , , "An Abridged State of the Weather at London in the Year 1774," Philosophical Transactions (1683-1775) , vol. 65, p. 182:
  • The uncertain conclusions of an ill-conducted analogy, and a false metaphysic , were mixed with a few simple precepts derived from observation, which probably made the whole of the science of prognostication in its earliest and purest state.
  • * 1954 , , "Review of Metaphysical Journal'' by Gabriel Marcel," ''Philosophy , vol. 29, no. 109, p. 170:
  • It should be pointed out to the prospective reader that he will not find here the systematic presentation of a metaphysic .
  • * 2003 , Christine Helmer, "Mysticism and Metaphysics," The Journal of Religion , vol. 83, no. 4, p. 521:
  • A Neoplatonic metaphysic is the flip side of mysticism.
  • (philosophy, countable) A fundamental principle or key concept.
  • * 1927 , Charles M. Perry, "A Principle for Realism," The Journal of Philosophy , vol. 24, no. 20, p. 537:
  • What we need as a metaphysic and what the logical realists are at least glimpsing, is the principle of contradiction.

    References

    * Oxford English Dictionary , 2nd ed., 1989. * Random House Webster's Unabridged Electronic Dictionary , 1987-1996.