Aberrant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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aberrant

[ษ™หˆbษ›rษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior deviation

Aberrant refers to something that deviates from the expected or normal course, particularly in behavior or natural occurrence. It suggests a departure from typical patterns or standards, indicating an unusual or atypical condition.

Synonyms

anomalous, deviant, irregular, unusual.

Examples of usage

  • The scientist noted aberrant behavior in the experiment.
  • His aberrant thoughts worried his friends.
  • The species exhibited aberrant growth patterns due to environmental changes.

Translations

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Origin of 'aberrant'

The word 'aberrant' originates from the Latin root 'aberrans', which is the present participle of 'aberrare', meaning 'to wander away' or 'to stray'. The prefix 'ab-' translates to 'away from', while 'errant' comes from the Latin 'errare', meaning 'to roam' or 'to make a mistake'. The term began to be used in English in the early 19th century and has since been employed in various scientific and general contexts to describe deviations from the norm. Primarily used in biological and psychological contexts, 'aberrant' helps illustrate phenomena or behaviors that diverge from expected patterns, thus serving as a crucial term in discussions surrounding normalcy, pathology, and natural variance.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,508, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.