Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for phenomenon

phenomenon

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

noun

, plural phe·nom·e·na [fi-, nom, -, uh, -n, uh] phe·nom·e·nons.
  1. a fact, occurrence, or circumstance observed or observable:

    to study the phenomena of nature.

    Synonyms: incident, event

  2. something that is impressive or extraordinary.

    Synonyms: miracle, marvel

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

    Synonyms: miracle, marvel

  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

/ fɪˈnɒmɪnən /

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


Discover More

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

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenomenon1

First recorded in 1580–90; from Late Latin phaenomenon, from Greek phainómenon “appearance,” noun use of neuter of phainómenos, present participle of phaínesthai “to appear, become visible,” passive of phaínein “to show, bring to light, make known”

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenomenon1

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

Discover More

Example Sentences

Putin, because of his acts in Ukraine, he lost Russkiy Mir as a phenomenon.

But the phenomenon of counterfeiting is as old as couture itself.

Within a few summer weeks, “Hot N—” had become an inescapable pop-culture phenomenon and Bobby landed a major record deal.

That phenomenon is not limited to peaceniks with spiritual aspirations.

This is a well-documented phenomenon which does not worry specialists.

In a warlike age this peacefulness of a monarch was the great and supernatural phenomenon.

This indeed does happen constantly on a small scale in the familiar phenomenon of over-production.

When applied to the diagnosis of typhoid fever, the phenomenon is known as the Widal reaction.

This curious phenomenon was also witnessed by the French in Geographe Bay.

In all savage races it has been recognised and dreaded, this phenomenon styled 'Wehr Wolf,' but to-day it is rare.

Advertisement

Word of the Day

tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


phenomenologyphenoplast