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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
phenomenon

Use this word to describe something extraordinary or remarkable that can be observed, such as natural events, social trends, or cultural occurrences. It's often used in scientific or scholarly contexts.

  • The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon.
  • Global warming is a phenomenon that affects us all.
occurrence

Appropriate for describing something that happens, especially which is regularly or repeatedly observed. Generally neutral in tone.

  • Rain is a common occurrence in this region.
  • The occurrence of tornadoes has been increasing lately.
event

Choose this word when referring to something planned or scheduled, such as parties, meetings, ceremonies, or any significant occurrence.

  • The charity event will be held next Saturday.
  • Graduation is a major event in a student's life.
incident

This word suits situations where something unexpected or unusual happens, often with a negative connotation, such as accidents or conflicts.

  • There was an incident at the factory where no one was hurt.
  • The police are investigating the incident that occurred last night.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
phenomenon

Use this word to describe something that is extraordinary, unusual, or difficult to understand. It's often used in scientific or philosophical discussions.

  • The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that attracts tourists to the Arctic
  • The scientist studied the phenomenon of black holes
occurrence

This word is used to describe something that happens, particularly if it is unexpected or happens frequently. Often has a neutral or slightly negative connotation.

  • Flooding has become a common occurrence in coastal regions
  • The occurrence of power outages frustrated the residents
event

Appropriate for describing something that happens, especially if it is planned or organized. Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • The city's annual marathon is a major event
  • The wedding was the most beautiful event I had ever attended
process

Best used to describe a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end. Often found in scientific, technical, or business contexts.

  • The process of photosynthesis is essential for plant life
  • The hiring process at the company can take several weeks

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
phenomenon

This term is used to describe a fact or event, especially one that is unusual or noteworthy. Often used in scientific, academic, or formal contexts.

  • The northern lights are a natural phenomenon that can be observed in high-latitude regions.
  • Global warming is a complex phenomenon involving various environmental factors.
occurrence

Describes an event or incident, often implying a single instance or something that happens occasionally. It's less formal than 'phenomenon'.

  • The occurrence of earthquakes in this region is quite rare.
  • The sudden occurrence of a power outage caught everyone off guard.
behavior

Refers to the actions or reactions of a person, animal, or system in response to external stimuli. Commonly used in psychology, sociology, and everyday situations.

  • The teacher observed the student's behavior in class over a month.
  • Animal behavior studies help us understand how different species interact with their environment.
trend

Refers to a general direction in which something is changing or developing over time. Commonly used in statistics, market analysis, fashion, and social contexts.

  • The latest trend in fashion is oversized jackets.
  • There is a growing trend of remote work among professionals worldwide.

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.