Aberration Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
aberration
[หรฆbษหreษชสษn ]
Definitions
in optics
A departure of light rays from the normal straight-line path through a lens or medium, caused by a refractive index that varies with the wavelength of the light.
Synonyms
anomaly, deviation, distortion.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| aberration |
Useful in scientific, medical, or formal contexts to describe something that deviates from what is normal or expected. Often suggests an unusual or temporary change.
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| distortion |
Typically used to describe something that has been twisted or altered from its original form, often with a negative connotation. Common in discussions about media, sound, and visuals.
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| anomaly |
Used when describing something that is unusual or different from the norm. Commonly found in scientific, statistical, or technical discussions.
|
| deviation |
Appropriate when discussing a change or difference from a standard, rule, or norm. Often used in formal, statistical, and technical contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- The image formed by the lens had some aberrations at the edges.
- Chromatic aberration can be corrected by using multiple lenses of different materials.
in behavior
A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome.
Synonyms
anomaly, deviation, irregularity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| aberration |
An unexpected deviation from the norm that is often unusual or unwelcome.
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| anomaly |
Something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected, often in scientific or technical contexts.
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| deviation |
A departure from a standard or norm, often used in a more neutral or technical manner.
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| irregularity |
A disruption in the expected pattern or order, which can imply issues or faults.
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Examples of usage
- His sudden outburst was an aberration from his usual calm demeanor.
- The increase in crime in the area was seen as an aberration.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In optics, 'aberration' refers to a distortion in images created by lenses, affecting how we see light.
- In astronomy, it describes how the position of stars changes due to the motion of Earth, a phenomenon observed since ancient times.
- Modern genetics also uses the term to denote unusual genetic variations that can affect an organism's traits.
Psychology
- Cognitive biases can lead to an aberration in judgment, affecting how we perceive situations or make decisions.
- In mental health, certain behaviors might be deemed aberrant if they significantly diverge from societal norms.
- This divergence is important in understanding behavioral patterns in both clinical assessments and therapeutic contexts.
Pop Culture
- Movies and TV shows often depict characters experiencing aberrations, such as sudden powers or extraordinary events, to drive the plot.
- In literature, aberration is frequently used as a theme, illustrating characters who clash with societal norms or expectations.
- Music lyrics sometimes reference the term to describe lost love or out-of-place feelings, reinforcing its emotional weight.
Literature
- Authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald used the concept of aberration to comment on characters who encounter moral or societal dilemmas.
- In poetry, the idea of straying from a conventional path can symbolize the struggles of the human condition.
- Ernest Hemingway often explored personal aberrations that reflect broader societal changes and conflicts within his characters.
Origin of 'aberration'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from the Latin word 'aberratio', meaning 'a wandering away' or 'to stray from' normal paths.
- The word entered the English language in the early 17th century, reflecting its complex roots in Latin.
- It carries the prefix 'ab-', meaning 'away from', highlighting the idea of deviation from the norm.
The word 'aberration' originated from the Latin word 'aberratio', which means a wandering or straying. In the field of optics, the term was first used in the 17th century to describe the deviation of light rays. Over time, the word's meaning expanded to include deviations from the norm in various contexts, such as behavior or logic.