by Alaysia Frager
/prēdərˈnaCH(ə)rəl/
Adjective
Beyond what is normal or natural
Used most commonly in the 1570s, the word Preternatural sets the perfect tone for the Halloween season. In the 1500s, the word was used to describe ominous occurings. By the 1700s, Preternatural was more commonly used to refer to fascinating supernatural events. The word originated from the Medieval Latin preternaturalis, which came from the phrase “praeterque fatum,” meaning “beyond nature.” Preternatural is synonymous with many words, such as: abnormal, phenomenal, inexplicable, and extraordinary.
/ˈfanˌtazəm/
Noun
A figment of the imagination
Phantasm, is from the Old French “fantosme,” and from the Latin “phantasma.” Phantasm is not a frequently used word. The root “phan” comes from greek verbs meaning “to present to the mind.” Phantasm describes something that deceives the mind, especially when used to describe a spirit or ghost.
/məˈnāSHəs/
Adjective
Menacing; Threatening
Minaci, stems from the Latin “minax,” combined with the English ending -ious. Minacious is a word that is rarely used today. Minacious was used in the 1650s to describe alarming events. Instead of Minacious, today we use synonymous words such as: menacing, frightening or hostile.