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

1. Nearly bizarre
2. Next to a phantom
3. Almost Strange
4. Close to usual

The prefix "para-" means "close to" or "next to." So, the word "paranormal" would mean "next to" or "close to" the normal. Therefore, option 4, "Close to usual," would be the closest meaning to paranormal.

The term "paranormal" refers to phenomena or events that are beyond normal scientific understanding and explanation. To determine the meaning of "paranormal" and choose the correct option, we can break down the word into its roots.

The prefix "para-" means "close to" or "next to," as you mentioned. In this case, it suggests that the word "paranormal" is related to something that is close to or next to the normal.

The word "normal" generally refers to something that is regular, typical, or usual.

By combining the prefix "para-" with the root word "normal," we can deduce that "paranormal" means "next to or beyond what is considered normal."

Out of the given options, the closest meaning to "next to or beyond what is considered normal" is option 3: Almost strange.

2. Next to a phantom