English Dictionary
Definition of “phenomenon”
phenomenon (fɪˈnɒmɪnən
)
Definitions
noun
- anything that can be perceived as an occurrence or fact by the senses
- any remarkable occurrence or person
- philosophy
- the object of perception, experience, etc
- (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
Word Origin
C16: via Late Latin from Greek phainomenon, from phainesthai to appear, from phainein to show
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
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wonder,
sensation,
spectacle,
sight,
exception,
miracle,
marvel,
prodigy,
rarity,
nonpareil,
black swan,
Usage examples
It's perfectly possible for two people to see the same phenomenon.
Howatch, Susan, Absolute Truths (1994)The researchers suspect the phenomenon is widespread, speeding up the rate at which bacteria evolve.
New Scientist (2004)With that was born another new phenomenon , the tight management by authorities of wartime news.
Globe and Mail (2003)This phenomenon is undoubtedly fed by Edinburgh's growing financial sector.
Glasgow Herald (2001)Women could become saints by doing good works and not by punishing their bodies, so the phenomenon of holy anorexia largely disappeared.
Dorothy Rowe, BEYOND FEAR (2002)
