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

The latter phenomenon was made famous in Miracle on the Hudson, the film starring Tom Hanks that recounted pilot Chesley Sullenberger’s emergency landing on the Hudson River.

From Popular-Science

The patterns that Lendner, Voytek and others look for are related to a phenomenon that scientists started noticing in complex systems throughout the natural world and technology in 1925.

From Quanta Magazine

I’d anticipate there will be some slowing for Peloton and other brands when vaccines make returning to gyms a more widescale phenomenon.

From TechCrunch

In a year with few true cultural phenomena, the 1990s Bulls docuseries The Last Dance stands out as a series that really ought to be rewarded.

From Time

An oddity in some theorist’s equation points to a previously unknown phenomenon, which kicks off a search for evidence.

From Science News

Putin, because of his acts in Ukraine, he lost Russkiy Mir as a phenomenon.

From The Daily Beast

But the phenomenon of counterfeiting is as old as couture itself.

From The Daily Beast

Within a few summer weeks, “Hot N—” had become an inescapable pop-culture phenomenon and Bobby landed a major record deal.

From The Daily Beast

That phenomenon is not limited to peaceniks with spiritual aspirations.

From The Daily Beast

This is a well-documented phenomenon which does not worry specialists.

From The Daily Beast

In a warlike age this peacefulness of a monarch was the great and supernatural phenomenon.

From Project Gutenberg

This indeed does happen constantly on a small scale in the familiar phenomenon of over-production.

From Project Gutenberg

When applied to the diagnosis of typhoid fever, the phenomenon is known as the Widal reaction.

From Project Gutenberg

This curious phenomenon was also witnessed by the French in Geographe Bay.

From Project Gutenberg

In all savage races it has been recognised and dreaded, this phenomenon styled 'Wehr Wolf,' but to-day it is rare.

From Project Gutenberg

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.