Paranormal...What Does It Mean?

If you're reading this blog, you've more than likely heard and used the word "paranormal." For some, its an everyday word. For others, it may be used less often. Regardless of the frequency of use, some of those among us do not fully understand what this term means. So, without further ado, lets dive into the world of etymology...

From Dictionary.com - "par-a-nor-mal, adjective - of or pertaining to the claimed occurrence of an event or perception without scientific explanation, such as psychokinesis, extrasensory perception, or other purportedly supernatural phenomena."

In other words, "paranormal" would pertain to any events or experiences that science cannot explain at the current moment. Para is of Latin origin, meaning "above, against, counter, outside, etc." Therefore, paranormal literally means "against or counter to the normal.

Ghostly and spiritual encounters, cryptids, extraterrestrials and UFO encounters, crop circles, spontaneous human combustion, and other things all fall under the paranormal category. The word has an extensive range of meanings and uses, and hopefully this article has helped to show that "paranormal" does not only refer to "ghosts and hauntings."