Abnormally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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abnormally

[รฆbหˆnษ”หmษ™li ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in an unusual or unexpected manner

In a way that is not normal or typical. This adverb is commonly used to describe something that deviates from the standard or usual behavior.

Synonyms

atypically, unexpectedly, unusually.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
abnormally

Use this word when referring to something that deviates significantly from what is usual or expected, often suggesting something is wrong or problematic.

  • The patient's blood pressure was abnormally high
  • The weather has been abnormally cold this season
unusually

This word suits situations where something is out of the ordinary, without necessarily implying something is wrong.

  • He was unusually quiet today
  • The sky was unusually clear last night
atypically

This word fits well when describing something that is not typical or standard, often used in a more formal or scientific context.

  • He responded atypically to the medication
  • The project faced atypically high levels of bureaucracy
unexpectedly

Use this word when something happens that was not anticipated or foreseen, often suggesting surprise.

  • She arrived unexpectedly at the party
  • The results came unexpectedly and shocked everyone

Examples of usage

  • The plant grew abnormally fast due to the rich soil.
  • She reacted abnormally to the medication, experiencing rare side effects.
Context #2 | Adverb

in a way that is not natural or healthy

In a manner that is not considered normal or healthy. It is often used to describe behavior or conditions that are outside the usual range of what is considered healthy or natural.

Synonyms

aberrantly, unhealthily, unnaturally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
abnormally

This word is often used to describe something that differs significantly from what is usual or is not typical, frequently in a medical or scientific context.

  • The patient's heart rate was abnormally high
  • The weather has been abnormally cold this summer
unnaturally

Unnaturally is typically used to describe something that appears or happens in a way that is artificial, forced, or not found in nature. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • His smile looked unnaturally wide
  • The plants grew unnaturally fast due to the chemical fertilizers
unhealthily

This word is commonly used to describe actions or conditions that are not good for one's health, often referring to diet, lifestyle, or mental state.

  • She was eating unhealthily, consuming only junk food
  • He was working unhealthily long hours every day
aberrantly

Aberrantly is used when describing behavior or actions that deviate from the norm, often in a manner that is unexpected or not acceptable.

  • He was acting aberrantly during the meeting, interrupting everyone
  • The cells were dividing aberrantly, indicating a possible mutation

Examples of usage

  • His heart was beating abnormally fast.
  • The animal was behaving abnormally, showing signs of distress.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, behaviors that are classified as abnormal often relate to mental health disorders, which are defined by statistical rarity, societal norms, and individual distress.
  • Abnormal psychology studies mental health conditions and seeks to understand why individuals might not conform to typical patterns of thought or behavior.
  • The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) helps professionals classify and understand abnormal behaviors encountered in clinical settings.

Medicine

  • In medical terms, abnormal results in tests might indicate disease or underlying health issues, prompting further investigation.
  • Abnormally high or low levels of certain hormones can affect bodily functions and signal the presence of various health conditions.
  • Doctors often assess vital signs to determine if a patient has an abnormal condition requiring intervention.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Abnormality can differ across cultures, where behaviors viewed as unusual in one society may be considered normal in another.
  • Art and literature often explore themes of abnormality to challenge societal norms and provoke thought about what is considered 'normal.'
  • Cultural definitions of 'abnormal' change over time, reflecting evolving societal values and understanding of diversity.

Statistics

  • In statistics, the term 'abnormal' can refer to outliersโ€”data points that differ significantly from the rest of a dataset.
  • Detecting abnormal occurrences in data sets is crucial for identifying trends, fraud, or unusual behaviors in fields like finance and healthcare.
  • Statistical models often account for normal distributions, where any deviation could indicate an anomaly worth investigating.

Origin of 'abnormally'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'abnormally' comes from 'abnormal,' which itself is derived from Latin roots: 'ab-' meaning 'away from' and 'norma' meaning 'rule' or 'pattern.'
  • The prefix 'ab-' suggests something that deviates from standard behavior or appearance.
  • The use of 'ly' at the end transforms adjectives to adverbs, highlighting the manner of the difference.

The word 'abnormally' is derived from the word 'abnormal', which comes from the Latin word 'abnormis', meaning 'departing from a rule'. The concept of abnormality has been studied in various fields such as psychology, medicine, and biology. It is used to describe deviations from what is considered typical or healthy in a given context.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,090, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.