phenomenon

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

noun

, plural phe·nom·e·na [fi-, nom, -, uh, -n, uh] phe·nom·e·nons.

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

She said, "Who knew that it was become this phenomenon? It's the greatest job in the world!"

From Salon

Movie houses and entertainment companies have increasingly come to rely on movies that become viral, must-see cultural phenomena, a trend that accelerated after the COVID-19 pandemic scrambled audience behaviors and studio strategies.

From Los Angeles Times

That phenomenon was particularly relevant this fall, which saw a hot late summer following two wet years and extreme growth.

From Los Angeles Times

This discovery could also help explain cosmic events like supernova explosions and gravitational waves, since binaries containing one or more of these compact dead stars are thought to be the origin of such phenomena.

From Science Daily

Indeed, Sun said in a statement that the Cattelan work “represents a cultural phenomenon that bridges the worlds of art, memes, and the cryptocurrency community.”

From New York Times

Related Words

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

More About Phenomenon

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.

Where does phenomenon come from?

The first records of the word phenomenon come from the 1580s. It comes from the Greek phainómenon, from the verb phaínesthai, meaning “to appear, become visible,” from phaínein, “to show, bring to light, make known.”

Most senses of phenomenon deal with things that are visible or observable or that have become well-known. In science, the word phenomenon is typically used to refer to anything that occurs naturally and can be observed, such as a weather phenomenon or a cosmic phenomenon. In philosophy, it’s used more broadly to refer to an object of perception or experience. In a more popular sense, it refers to something that has become a spectacle or the source of a lot of attention, or to someone who is famed for their exceptional talent.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to phenomenon?

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

What are some synonyms for phenomenon?

• occurrence
• spectacle
• phenom

What are some words that share a root or word element with phenomenon? 

• phenomenology

What are some words that often get used in discussing phenomenon?

• natural
• weather
• rare
• exceptional
• extraordinary
• talent
• worldwide
• international
• remarkable

How is phenomenon used in real life?

Phenomenon is a somewhat formal word, but it can be used in all kinds of contexts, including serious scientific ones and ones involving pop culture.

This rare phenomenon (#Baikal #Zen) happens when rocks lying on the surface of frozen lakes are heated by sunlight and emit infrared rays, melting ice below. When the sun sets, the ice refreezes, creating these incredible frozen near-impossible structures. #weather #beautiful pic.twitter.com/7wfG5Ba5DL

— Paul Beckwith (@PaulHBeckwith) November 26, 2020

Wow! A rare weather phenomenon!! Anticrepuscular rays seen opposite the sunrise this morning! https://t.co/M85FNH0XrI

— Grant Johnston (@GrantJNBC5) January 25, 2021

The inside track on how Salah has become a phenomenon at #LFC https://t.co/mB6U3N2ZvY

— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) November 30, 2017

Try using phenomenon!

True or False?

Lightning is a kind of weather phenomenon.