Supernaturalisms

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The belief in phenomena that defy natural laws and occur beyond the ordinary realm of experience
2. A collective term for various practices or doctrines related to spiritual or mystical beliefs
3. The exploration of experiences and forces that lie outside the scientific understanding of nature

Etymology: "Supernaturalisms" is simply the plural of "supernaturalism," so it is the plural of a noun built from "supernatural" plus the suffix "-ism." The base word "supernatural" combines the Latin prefix "super-" ("above, beyond") with "natural," from Latin "naturalis," relating to nature. Something supernatural lies beyond the natural order of things, such as ghosts, miracles or divine intervention. The suffix "-ism" turns an adjective into a noun naming a doctrine, system or practice, so "supernaturalism" names a belief or practice built around the supernatural. The plural form "supernaturalisms" is used when speaking of several such systems or traditions at once, as in comparing the supernaturalisms of different cultures.