WordValeaberration
a departure from what is normal
In more detail
1. (noun) something that is different from what is normal or expected
2. (noun) a temporary departure from usual behavior or character
Examples
- The unusually cold weather in summer was an aberration.
- His angry outburst was an aberration; he is normally very calm.
How to use aberration
Aberration describes something that deviates notably from the norm or expected pattern, often with a sense of unusual or surprising nature. It can refer to both psychological/behavioral deviations and technical/scientific anomalies. Unlike simple 'difference,' aberration implies a departure from a standard or expected state, and often carries a neutral or mildly negative tone depending on context.
Common phrases
- mental aberration
- sexual aberration
- optical aberration
- a temporary aberration
- genetic aberration
- behavioral aberration
Synonyms
deviation · divergence · anomaly · irregularity · departure
Opposites
norm · standard · regularity
Word family
aberrant (adjective) · aberrantly (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use 'aberration' to mean simply any difference or variation, when it specifically implies a departure from what is considered normal, standard, or expected.
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