Word
phenomena
Phoneticsphe·nom·e·na
US/fəˈnɑmənə/
UK/fɪnˈɒmɪnɐ/
Definitions
01plural of phenomenon
n. more than one phenomenon; things that happen or exist that can be seen and studied.
n. the standard plural of phenomenon, denoting multiple observable events or facts, especially those that are scientifically significant.
“Scientists are studying natural phenomena like lightning and rainbows to understand how they work.”
“The researchers documented several atmospheric phenomena that had never been recorded at such high altitudes before the new satellite was launched.”
Academic
Usage
Always takes a plural verb in formal and academic writing.
Pitfall
This is a very strange phenomena.
This is a very strange phenomenon.
Phenomena is plural. Use 'phenomenon' when talking about just one thing.
Synonyms
02a single event
n. a single event or thing that happens.
n. used as a singular noun to mean one phenomenon; this is common in casual speech but considered incorrect in formal writing.
“It was a strange phenomena that nobody could explain at the time.”
“In certain dialects, speakers treat 'phenomena' as a singular count noun, though this remains non-standard in professional contexts.”
Informal · Dialect
Usage
Used as a singular noun with 'a' or 'this'.
Teaching tip
While heard in spoken English, students should avoid using 'phenomena' as a singular noun in exams or essays.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“BICs have since expanded to different wave phenomena, such as acoustic waves in parallel plates, water waves in tubes, elastic waves in solids and electromagnetic waves in optical fibers or arrays of resonators.” “Droughts are complex phenomena, driven by a mix of natural and human causes.” “A better understanding of these phenomena can reveal how they might affect Earth’s atmosphere and satellites.” “With an exact date of the Electron Mudflow, scientists can also use all those samples of buried trees to cross-date other geologic phenomena that occurred at low elevations in the region.” Etymology
The plural form of phenomenon, formed according to the Ancient Greek -ον (-on) → -α (-a) pluralisation pattern.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/phenomena