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View synonyms for

phenomenon

[ fi-nom-uh-non, -nuhn ]

noun

plural phenomena phenomenons.
  1. a fact, occurrence, or circumstance observed or observable:

    to study the phenomena of nature.

    Synonyms: ,

  2. something that is impressive or extraordinary.

    Synonyms: ,

  3. a remarkable or exceptional person; prodigy; wonder.

    Synonyms: ,

  4. Philosophy.
    1. an appearance or immediate object of awareness in experience.
    2. Kantianism. a thing as it appears to and is constructed by the mind, as distinguished from a noumenon, or thing-in-itself.


phenomenon

/ ɪˈɒɪə /

noun

  1. anything that can be perceived as an occurrence or fact by the senses
  2. any remarkable occurrence or person
  3. philosophy
    1. the object of perception, experience, etc
    2. (in the writings of Kant) a thing as it appears and is interpreted in perception and reflection, as distinguished from its real nature as a thing-in-itself Compare noumenon
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Usage

Although phenomena is often treated as if it were singular, correct usage is to employ phenomenon with a singular construction and phenomena with a plural: that is an interesting phenomenon (not phenomena ); several new phenomena were recorded in his notes
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yvlog History and Origins

Origin of phenomenon1

First recorded in 1580–90; from Late Latin phaenomenon, from Greek 󲹾óԴDz “appearance,” noun use of neuter of 󲹾óԴDz, present participle of íԱٳ󲹾 “to appear, become visible,” passive of íԱ𾱲 “to show, bring to light, make known”
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yvlog History and Origins

Origin of phenomenon1

C16: via Late Latin from Greek phainomenon, from phainesthai to appear, from phainein to show
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Ridley insists that they examine this phenomenon further, but Elliot would prefer to brush it under the rug so as not to worry their hosts.

From

College counselors examined his application and couldn’t find anything that explained the phenomenon, Nan Zhong said.

From

I kind of think it's been settled, but in the past people have taken some issue with that on the basis that it implies that this is an imported, European phenomenon.

From

The same phenomenon greeted President Nixon’s declaration in May 1970 that “if I had any money I’d be buying stocks right now.”

From

The meme-stock phenomenon was part of a wider increase in trading by retail investors - people not working for investment houses or other private firms.

From

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More About Phenomenon

What does phenomenon mean?

Phenomenon most generally refers to an observable occurrence or circumstance. For example, a hurricane is a kind of weather phenomenon.

Phenomenon is also commonly used to refer to an extraordinary event or something that becomes the subject of widespread interest and attention, as in The movie has become a worldwide phenomenon.

Sometimes, phenomenon refers to a person with an extraordinary talent or ability, especially a relatively young person who is considered a prodigy. The word phenom (a shortened form of phenomenon) is commonly used to mean the same thing, as in She became an internationally known chess phenom when she was just 14 years old.

The plural of phenomenon is phenomena.

The adjective phenomenal is most commonly used to mean highly extraordinary or exceptional, as in It was a phenomenal display of skill. It can also be used more generally to mean relating to phenomena in some way, as in My philosophy paper deals with the phenomenal qualities of existence.

Example: Halley’s comet is a phenomenon that occurs every 76 years.

Where does ԴdzԴDzcome from?

The first records of the word phenomenon come from the 1580s. It comes from the Greek 󲹾óԴDz, from the verb íԱٳ󲹾, meaning “to appear, become visible,” from íԱ𾱲, “to show, bring to light, make known.”

Most senses of phenomenon deal with things that are visible or observable or that have become well-known. In science, the word phenomenon is typically used to refer to anything that occurs naturally and can be observed, such as a weather phenomenon or a cosmic phenomenon. In philosophy, it’s used more broadly to refer to an object of perception or experience. In a more popular sense, it refers to something that has become a spectacle or the source of a lot of attention, or to someone who is famed for their exceptional talent.

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What are some other forms related to phenomenon?

What are some synonyms for phenomenon?

What are some words that share a root or word element with phenomenon?

What are some words that often get used in discussing phenomenon?

How is phenomenon used in real life?

Phenomenon is a somewhat formal word, but it can be used in all kinds of contexts, including serious scientific ones and ones involving pop culture.

Try using phenomenon!

True or False?

Lightning is a kind of weather phenomenon.

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