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noun

phenomenon

/fəˈnɒmɪnən/  ·  say it: fuh·NOM·uh·nun

an observable fact or event

In Formal & Academic

In more detail

1. (noun) a fact or event that is observed or noticed, especially something unusual or interesting

2. (noun) a remarkable or impressive person or thing

Examples

How to use phenomenon

Phenomenon refers to something observed or noticed, often implying rarity, significance, or noteworthy quality. It is used in both academic and everyday contexts to describe events, trends, or persons of particular interest or impressiveness. The word carries a somewhat formal or objective tone compared to more casual alternatives like 'thing' or 'occurrence'.

Common phrases

Synonyms

occurrence · event · happening · spectacle · marvel

Word family

phenomena (plural) · phenomenal (adjective) · phenomenally (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners often confuse the plural form: the correct plural is 'phenomena' (Greek origin), not 'phenomenons', though 'phenomenons' is sometimes used informally.

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