Word
phenomenon
Phoneticsphe·nom·e·non, stress on the second syllable
US/fəˈnɑməˌnɑn/
UK/fɪnˈɒmɪnən/
Definitions
01observable event
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science Academic
n. something that exists or happens, especially something that scientists study.
n. an observable fact or event, particularly one whose cause or explanation is under investigation.
日本語:現象※
“Glaciers melting is a natural phenomenon caused by rising temperatures.”
“The researchers spent a decade documenting the phenomenon of bioluminescence in deep-sea organisms that had never been studied before.”
Usage
The plural form is 'phenomena'.
Pitfall
These phenomenons are very rare.
These phenomena are very rare.
The standard plural of phenomenon is phenomena.
Synonyms
02remarkable person or thing
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. someone or something that is very impressive or unusual.
n. a person or thing that is remarkably talented, successful, or extraordinary.
“The young pianist was a musical phenomenon who played like a professional.”
“The rapid growth of the tech startup was a business phenomenon that defied all market predictions for that quarter.”
Teaching tip
In this sense, the word is often used to describe child prodigies or sudden cultural trends.
03philosophy
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Philosophy Academic · Technical
n. the way something appears to our senses, rather than how it is in reality.
n. an object of perception as opposed to a 'noumenon' or thing-in-itself.
日本語:現象※
“He studied the phenomenon of time as we experience it every day.”
“Kant distinguished between the phenomenon, which is the world as we perceive it, and the noumenon, which exists independently of our senses.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “phenomenon” in context.
Verb
01. describe phenomenon
“Scientists use specific terminology to describe the phenomenon of bioluminescence.”
verb + noun
02. explain phenomenon
“Researchers are still trying to explain the phenomenon of the Northern Lights.”
verb + noun
03. understand phenomenon
“We need more data to fully understand this psychological phenomenon.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. complex phenomenon
“Global migration is a complex phenomenon influenced by many different factors.”
adj + noun
05. general phenomenon
“The rise of social media is a general phenomenon observed across all age groups.”
adj + noun
06. important phenomenon
“Urbanization is an important phenomenon that shapes modern society.”
adj + noun
07. natural phenomenon
“A solar eclipse is a rare natural phenomenon that attracts many spectators.”
adj + noun
08. particular phenomenon
“This study focuses on one particular phenomenon within the field of quantum physics.”
adj + noun
09. social phenomenon
“The trend of remote working has become a widespread social phenomenon.”
adj + noun
Noun
10. phenomenon occur
“This rare weather phenomenon occurs only under specific atmospheric conditions.”
noun + verb
Real-World Examples
“Between 18:20 and 20:10 BST, the Moon caused a near-total eclipse of the Sun, giving people across the UK their best chance to witness the phenomenon since 1999.” “Parts of Spain and Portugal witnessed the phenomenon of a total eclipse, but in Scotland the eclipse shadow meant that up to 95% of the sun was obscured by the Moon.” “Parts of Spain and Portugal will witness the phenomenon of a total eclipse on Wednesday but Heymans said Scotland would be "agonisingly close".” Etymology
From Late Latin phaenomenon (“appearance”), from Ancient Greek φαινόμενον (phainómenon, “thing appearing to view”), neuter present middle participle of φαίνω (phaínō, “I show”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/phenomenon
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0