ENGLISH
REFERENCE

phenomenon

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //fəˈnɑməˌnɑn// UK //fɪnˈɒmɪnən// phe·nom·e·non Academic General-service

n. something that happens or exists, especially something unusual or interesting that people study. It is often used to describe a fact or event that is hard to explain.

n. an observable fact or event, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question. In a scientific or philosophical context, it refers to any object of the senses as opposed to a thing in itself.


SIMPLE

The northern lights are a natural phenomenon.

CONTEXTUAL

Social media has created a global phenomenon where trends spread across the world in just a few hours.

COMPLEX

Researchers are still trying to understand the psychological phenomenon that causes people to remember events differently than they actually occurred during high-stress situations.

Origin

From Late Latin phaenomenon (“appearance”), from Ancient Greek φαινόμενον (phainómenon, “thing appearing to view”), neuter present middle participle of φαίνω (phaínō, “I show”).

Usage

The plural form is 'phenomena'. While 'phenomenons' is occasionally seen in informal contexts, it is generally considered incorrect in academic writing.

Pitfall

These phenomenon are strangeThese phenomena are strangePhenomenon is singular; the plural form is phenomena. Learners often use the singular form when referring to multiple events.

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