Phenomenon: meaning, definitions and examples

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phenomenon

 

[ fəˈnɒmɪnən ]

Context #1 | Noun

natural

A phenomenon is an observable event or fact that is unusual or difficult to explain. It is often used to describe something that is considered extraordinary or remarkable.

Synonyms

event, incident, occurrence

Examples of usage

  • The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that can be seen in the sky.
  • The phenomenon of crop circles has puzzled scientists for years.
Context #2 | Noun

scientific

In science, a phenomenon refers to any event or process that can be observed and studied to understand natural laws and processes. It is commonly used in the context of experiments and research.

Synonyms

event, occurrence, process

Examples of usage

  • The phenomenon of gravity can be observed by dropping an object and watching it fall to the ground.
  • Scientists are studying the phenomenon of quantum entanglement to better understand the behavior of particles.
Context #3 | Noun

social

In social sciences, a phenomenon can refer to a behavior or occurrence that can be studied and analyzed to understand human interactions and societal trends.

Synonyms

behavior, occurrence, trend

Examples of usage

  • The phenomenon of groupthink can influence decision-making within organizations.
  • The rise of social media has become a global phenomenon in the modern age.

Translations

Translations of the word "phenomenon" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fenômeno

🇮🇳 घटना

🇩🇪 Phänomen

🇮🇩 fenomena

🇺🇦 феномен

🇵🇱 zjawisko

🇯🇵 現象 (genshō)

🇫🇷 phénomène

🇪🇸 fenómeno

🇹🇷 fenomen

🇰🇷 현상 (hyeonsang)

🇸🇦 ظاهرة (ẓāhira)

🇨🇿 fenomén

🇸🇰 fenomén

🇨🇳 现象 (xiànxiàng)

🇸🇮 fenomen

🇮🇸 fyrirbæri

🇰🇿 құбылыс

🇬🇪 ფენომენი (phenomeni)

🇦🇿 fenomen

🇲🇽 fenómeno

Etymology

The word 'phenomenon' originates from the Greek word 'phainomenon', which means 'that which appears or is seen'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe extraordinary or remarkable events. Over time, its usage has expanded to various fields, including natural sciences, social sciences, and everyday observations.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,006, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.