antisupernaturalism
|an-ti-su-per-na-tu-ral-ism|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.tiˌsuː.pɚˈnætʃ.rəl.ɪ.zəm/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.tiˌsjuː.pəˈnætʃ.rəl.ɪ.zəm/
opposition to belief in the supernatural
Etymology
'antisupernaturalism' is formed in English from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek anti- meaning 'against'), the word 'supernatural' (from Latin 'supernaturalis', from 'super' 'above' + 'natura' 'nature'), and the suffix '-ism' (denoting a doctrine or system).
'supernatural' entered English via Old French and Medieval Latin from Latin 'supernaturalis' ('super' + 'natura'). The compound 'antisupernaturalism' is a modern English formation combining 'anti-' + 'supernatural' + '-ism', appearing in 19th–20th century philosophical and theological discourse to denote opposition to supernaturalism.
Originally the components described 'against the supernatural' in a literal morphological sense; over time the compound has come to name the specific philosophical or critical stance (opposition to supernatural explanations) used in both academic and general contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the philosophical position or general attitude that rejects belief in the supernatural or supernatural explanations for events; opposition to supernaturalism.
Her antisupernaturalism led her to seek only natural explanations for reported paranormal events.
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Noun 2
a critical or skeptical stance toward claims involving ghosts, miracles, or other supernatural phenomena (used in both academic and general contexts).
In the debate, his antisupernaturalism was cited as the reason he opposed introducing supernatural explanations into scientific discussions.
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Last updated: 2025/09/11 02:14