Aberration: meaning, definitions and examples

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aberration

[ˌæbəˈreɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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. The recent drop in temperature is an aberration from the usual weather patterns. His outburst was an aberration in his usually calm demeanor.
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. The photo showed a severe distortion of the subject's face. The news report was criticized for its distortion of the facts.
anomaly	Used when describing something that is unusual or different from the norm. Commonly found in scientific, statistical, or technical discussions. The scientists discovered an anomaly in the results of the experiment. The financial report showed an anomaly that needed further investigation.
deviation	Appropriate when discussing a change or difference from a standard, rule, or norm. Often used in formal, statistical, and technical contexts. There was a deviation from the scheduled flight path. The data showed a significant deviation from the expected results.

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.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

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. Calling the sudden drop in temperature in July an aberration indicates that such weather is not typically seen during this time
anomaly	Something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected, often in scientific or technical contexts. Finding a black swan among white ones is an anomaly that fascinates biologists
deviation	A departure from a standard or norm, often used in a more neutral or technical manner. The engineer noted a small deviation in the manufacturing process that needed adjustment
irregularity	A disruption in the expected pattern or order, which can imply issues or faults. The accountant found an irregularity in the financial statements that required further investigation

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "aberration" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aberração

🇮🇳 विचलन

🇩🇪 Abweichung

🇮🇩 penyimpangan

🇺🇦 відхилення

🇵🇱 aberracja

🇯🇵 逸脱 (いつだつ)

🇫🇷 aberration

🇪🇸 aberración

🇹🇷 sapma

🇰🇷 일탈

🇸🇦 انحراف

🇨🇿 aberace

🇸🇰 aberrácia

🇨🇳 偏差

🇸🇮 aberracija

🇮🇸 frávik

🇰🇿 ауытқу

🇬🇪 გადახრა

🇦🇿 sapma

🇲🇽 aberración

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,858, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14855 pluck
14856 moan
14857 mingle
14858 aberration
14859 stew
14860 heparin
14861 humming
...