Origin: 1400–50; late Middle English <
Medieval Latin mīrāculōsus, equivalent to
Latin mīrācul(
um)
miracle +
-ōsus -ous Related formsmi·rac·u·lous·ly, adverb
mi·rac·u·lous·ness, noun
hy·per·mi·rac·u·lous, adjective
hy·per·mi·rac·u·lous·ly, adverb
hy·per·mi·rac·u·lous·ness, noun
EXPANDnon·mi·rac·u·lous, adjective
non·mi·rac·u·lous·ly, adverb
non·mi·rac·u·lous·ness, noun
pseu·do·mi·rac·u·lous, adjective
pseu·do·mi·rac·u·lous·ly, adverb
qua·si-mi·rac·u·lous, adjective
qua·si-mi·rac·u·lous·ly, adverb
un·mi·rac·u·lous, adjective
un·mi·rac·u·lous·ly, adverb
COLLAPSESynonyms
2. extraordinary. Miraculous, preternatural, supernatural refer to that which seems to transcend the laws of nature. Miraculous refers to something that apparently contravenes known laws governing the universe: a miraculous success. Preternatural suggests the possession of supernormal qualities: Dogs have a preternatural sense of smell. It may also mean supernatural: Elves are preternatural beings. Supernatural suggests divine or superhuman properties: supernatural aid in battle.