phenomenon
Use Phenomenon in a sentence
əˌnɒn, -nən noun, plural phe·nom·e·na [-nuh] , or especially for 3, phe·nom·e·nons.
[-nuh] , or especially for 3, phe·nom·e·nons. 1.
a fact, occurrence, or circumstance observed or observable: to study the phenomena of nature.
2.
something that is impressive or extraordinary.
3.
a remarkable or exceptional person; prodigy; wonder.
4.
Philosophy.
a.
an appearance or immediate object of awareness in experience.
b.
Kantianism. a thing as it appears to and is constructed by the mind, as distinguished from a noumenon, or thing-in-itself.
Origin:
1595–1605; < Late Latin phaenomenon < Greek phainómenon appearance, noun use of neuter of phainómenos, present participle of phaínesthai to appear, passive of phaínein to show
1595–1605; < Late Latin phaenomenon < Greek phainómenon appearance, noun use of neuter of phainómenos, present participle of phaínesthai to appear, passive of phaínein to show
Synonyms
1. event, incident. 2, 3. marvel, miracle.
1. event, incident. 2, 3. marvel, miracle.
Usage note
As with other plurals of Latin or Greek origin, like media and criteria, there is a tendency to use the plural phenomena as a singular (This phenomena will not be seen again), but such use occurs infrequently in edited writing. The plural form phenomenas, though occasionally seen, has even less currency.
As with other plurals of Latin or Greek origin, like media and criteria, there is a tendency to use the plural phenomena as a singular (This phenomena will not be seen again), but such use occurs infrequently in edited writing. The plural form phenomenas, though occasionally seen, has even less currency.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To phenomenon
00:10
Phenomenon
is an LSAT word you need to know.
So is liability. Does it mean:
| moneys owed; debts or pecuniary obligations (opposed to assets) |
| to cause or involve by necessity or as a consequence: |
Collins
World English Dictionary
phenomenon (fɪˈnɒmɪnən) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n , pl -ena, -enons | |
| 1. | anything that can be perceived as an occurrence or fact by the senses |
| 2. | any remarkable occurrence or person |
| 3. | philosophy |
| a. the object of perception, experience, etc | |
| b. Compare noumenon (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 | |
| 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 | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
phenomenon
1570s, "fact, occurrence," from L.L. phænomenon, from Gk. phainomenon "that which appears or is seen," noun use of neut. prp. of phainesthai "to appear," passive of phainein (see phantasm). Meaning "extraordinary occurrence" first recorded 1771. Plural is phenomena.
Shortened form phenom is baseball slang, first recorded 1890.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary
phenomenon phe·nom·e·non (fĭ-nŏm'ə-nŏn', -nən)
n. pl. phe·nom·e·na (-nə)
An occurrence, a circumstance, or a fact that is perceptible by the senses, especially one in relation to a disease.
pl. phenome·nons An unusual, significant, or unaccountable fact or occurrence; a marvel.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
Example sentences
The phenomenon of a poet who enjoys continued development into the beginning of old age is in itself rare.
People have reported seeing ball lightning-a rare phenomenon that resembles a glowing sphere of electricity-for hundreds of years.
Research into this phenomenon has been carried out in relation to the diagnosis and mode of origin of rheumatoid arthritis.
But a true understanding of the phenomenon remains elusive.
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