Word
anomalous
Phoneticsanoma·lous
US/əˈnɑməɫəs/
UK/ɐnˈɒmələs/
Definition
adj. different from what is normal or expected. You use this to describe something that stands out because it does not fit with the rest of a group.
adj. deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected. Often used to describe data points or physical objects that do not conform to a general pattern.
Examples
“The anomalous result made the scientists look at their data again.”
“The researcher noted an anomalous spike in temperature that did not match the rest of the month's weather patterns.”
“While the majority of the samples followed the expected distribution, the anomalous data point suggested a fundamental flaw in the initial hypothesis regarding the chemical reaction.”
Examples
simple
“The anomalous result made the scientists look at their data again.”
contextual
“The researcher noted an anomalous spike in temperature that did not match the rest of the month's weather patterns.”
complex
“While the majority of the samples followed the expected distribution, the anomalous data point suggested a fundamental flaw in the initial hypothesis regarding the chemical reaction.”
Real-World Examples
“It also produces an unusual electrical signal known as the anomalous Hall effect: When current flows through the material, a small voltage appears sideways even when no external magnetic field is applied.” “The House of Representatives even held hearings on what are now called unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) as a potential national security threat.” Etymology
From Late Latin anōmalos, from Ancient Greek ἀνώμᾰλος (anṓmălos).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/anomalous