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The prefix para- means "close to" or "next to." What does paranormal mean?

1) nearly bizarre
2) almost strange
3) close to usual
4) next to a phantom

User Djentleman
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The word paranormal means events or phenomena that are beyond or beside the range of normal scientific understanding, and the closest option provided would be 'almost strange'.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term paranormal refers to events or phenomena that are beyond the scope of what is considered normal or can be explained by traditional scientific understanding. The prefix para- means "besides" or "beyond," and when combined with normal, it implies that something is outside or beyond the normal range of experiences or scientific explanation.

Therefore, the direct answer to the question is: none of the provided options directly define 'paranormal'. However, the closest option in spirit would be almost strange (option 2), as 'paranormal' often describes phenomena that are mysterious or not easily understood, which can be considered strange by common standards. However, 'paranormal' more accurately encompasses events or phenomena that are beyond or beside what is scientifically explainable, such as ghosts, psychokinesis, or extrasensory perception.

User Zahid Karim
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