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Subnormal: meaning, definitions and examples

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subnormal

 

[ sสŒbหˆnษ”หr.mษ™l ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

mental capacity

Subnormal refers to an individual whose mental or physical development is below the normative expectations. This term is often used in psychological or educational contexts to describe individuals who may require additional support or intervention to reach typical developmental milestones. It's important to note that usage of the term can be sensitive, often associated with discussions around cognitive impairments or disabilities. The term is not commonly used in contemporary language due to its potentially derogatory connotations and is often replaced with more respectful terminology.

Synonyms

below average, deficient, inferior

Examples of usage

  • The student required additional resources due to his subnormal abilities.
  • They provided specialized programs for subnormal children.
  • Subnormal intelligence can be challenged with proper support.
Context #2 | Adjective

performance level

In terms of performance, subnormal can describe outputs or achievements that fall below expected standards or norms. This can be applied to various contexts including academic performance, job efficiency, or even physical abilities. Using subnormal in this sense suggests that there might be underlying issues affecting performance, and it indicates a need for assessment and possible intervention. Context is crucial, as label can affect self-esteem and social perceptions.

Synonyms

below par, mediocre, underperforming

Examples of usage

  • His subnormal results prompted a review of his training methods.
  • She showed subnormal results in her exams.
  • The team performed at a subnormal level during the tournament.

Translations

Translations of the word "subnormal" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น subnormal

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เคธเคพเคฎเคพเคจเฅเคฏ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช subnormal

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ subnormal

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั–ะดะฝะพั€ะผะฐะปัŒะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ subnormal

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ตใƒ–ใƒŽใƒผใƒžใƒซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท subnormal

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ subnormal

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท subnormal

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„œ๋ธŒ๋…ธ๋ฉ€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏูˆู† ุงู„ู…ุณุชูˆู‰

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ subnormรกlnรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ subnormรกlny

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไบšๆญฃๅธธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ subnormal

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ subnormal

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐะปั‹ะฟั‚ะฐะฝ ั‚ำฉะผะตะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒฃแƒ‘แƒœแƒแƒ แƒ›แƒแƒšแƒฃแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ subnormal

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ subnormal

Etymology

The term 'subnormal' is derived from the prefix 'sub-', which comes from Latin meaning 'under' or 'below', coupled with the word 'normal', originating from the Latin 'norma', meaning 'rule' or 'pattern'. 'Subnormal' has been used since the late 19th century, primarily in scientific and psychological contexts. Initially, it was applied descriptively to differentiate levels of intelligence and development in various populations, especially in relation to mental health and education. Over the decades, the term has faced criticism for its implications and has evolved in usage, leading to a preference for more neutral terminology. The changing perspectives on mental health and inclusivity have played a significant role in how labels like 'subnormal' are perceived, demonstrating the importance of language in shaping societal attitudes towards individuals with cognitive differences.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,947, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.