phenomenon

[fi-nom-uh-non, -nuhn]

noun

plural

phenomena, phenomenons 

1. a fact, occurrence, or circumstance observed or observable.

   to study the phenomena of nature.

   Synonyms: incident, event

2. something that is impressive or extraordinary.

   Synonyms: miracle, marvel

3. a remarkable or exceptional person; prodigy; wonder.

   Synonyms: miracle, marvel

4. Philosophy.

   1. an appearance or immediate object of awareness in experience.

   2. Kantianism.,  a thing as it appears to and is constructed by the mind, as distinguished from a noumenon, or thing-in-itself.

phenomenon

/ fɪˈnɒmɪnən /

noun

1. anything that can be perceived as an occurrence or fact by the senses

2. any remarkable occurrence or person

3. philosophy

   1. the object of perception, experience, etc

   2. (in the writings of Kant) a thing as it appears and is interpreted in perception and reflection, as distinguished from its real nature as a thing-in-itself Compare noumenon

Usage

Although phenomena is often treated as if it were singular, correct usage is to employ phenomenon with a singular construction and phenomena with a plural: that is an interesting phenomenon (not phenomena ); several new phenomena were recorded in his notes

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenomenon¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Late Latin phaenomenon, from Greek phainómenon “appearance,” noun use of neuter of phainómenos, present participle of phaínesthai “to appear, become visible,” passive of phaínein “to show, bring to light, make known”

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenomenon¹

C16: via Late Latin from Greek phainomenon, from phainesthai to appear, from phainein to show

Example Sentences

Despite that early lack of press coverage, “Downton Abbey” quickly became a global phenomenon.

From Los Angeles Times

This reddish appearance is the result of a phenomenon called "Rayleigh scattering" which also makes the sky blue and our sunsets red.

From BBC

"This is a relatively new phenomenon as transfer fees have increased," Maguire said.

From BBC

As if to hammer home the issue, Netflix’s animated “KPop Demon Hunters” became a cultural phenomenon after it hit the streaming service in June.

From Los Angeles Times

About 1 in every 500 pregnant women discovers she’s expecting more than 20 weeks along — a phenomenon known as “cryptic pregnancy.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anomaly 
• aspect 
• circumstance 
• episode 
• event 
• experience 
• fact 
• incident 
• miracle 
• paradox 
• reality 
• sensation 

When To Use

What does phenomenon mean?

Phenomenon most generally refers to an observable occurrence or circumstance. For example, a hurricane is a kind of weather phenomenon.Phenomenon is also commonly used to refer to an extraordinary event or something that becomes the subject of widespread interest and attention, as in The movie has become a worldwide phenomenon.Sometimes, phenomenon refers to a person with an extraordinary talent or ability, especially a relatively young person who is considered a prodigy. The word phenom (a shortened form of phenomenon) is commonly used to mean the same thing, as in She became an internationally known chess phenom when she was just 14 years old.The plural of phenomenon is phenomena.The adjective phenomenal is most commonly used to mean highly extraordinary or exceptional, as in It was a phenomenal display of skill. It can also be used more generally to mean relating to phenomena in some way, as in My philosophy paper deals with the phenomenal qualities of existence.Example: Halley’s comet is a phenomenon that occurs every 76 years.