phenomenon
n.-
1 observable event (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Sciencesomething that exists or happens, especially something that scientists study.
an observable fact or event, particularly one whose cause or explanation is under investigation.
ExampleGlaciers melting is a natural phenomenon caused by rising temperatures.
ExampleThe researchers spent a decade documenting the phenomenon of bioluminescence in deep-sea organisms that had never been studied before.
UsageThe plural form is 'phenomena'.
PitfallThese phenomenons are very rare.These phenomena are very rare.The standard plural of phenomenon is phenomena.
-
2 remarkable person or thing (n.) C1 Advanced Formalsomeone or something that is very impressive or unusual.
a person or thing that is remarkably talented, successful, or extraordinary.
ExampleThe young pianist was a musical phenomenon who played like a professional.
ExampleThe rapid growth of the tech startup was a business phenomenon that defied all market predictions for that quarter.
Teacher's tipIn this sense, the word is often used to describe child prodigies or sudden cultural trends.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
-
3 philosophy (n.) C2 Proficiency Academic Technical Philosophythe way something appears to our senses, rather than how it is in reality.
an object of perception as opposed to a 'noumenon' or thing-in-itself.
ExampleHe studied the phenomenon of time as we experience it every day.
ExampleKant distinguished between the phenomenon, which is the world as we perceive it, and the noumenon, which exists independently of our senses.
- noumenon
From Late Latin phaenomenon (“appearance”), from Ancient Greek φαινόμενον (phainómenon, “thing appearing to view”), neuter present middle participle of φαίνω (phaínō, “I show”).
- Nounphenomenology
- Nounphenomenon
- Adjectivephenomenal