Langimage
English

anomaly

|a/nom/a/ly|

C1

🇺🇸

/əˈnɑːməli/

🇬🇧

/əˈnɒməli/

deviation from the norm

Etymology
Etymology Information

'anomaly' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anomalos,' where 'an-' meant 'not' and 'homalos' meant 'even' or 'regular.'

Historical Evolution

'anomalos' transformed into the Latin word 'anomalus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'anomaly' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'irregular or uneven,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'deviation from the norm.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a deviation from the common rule, type, arrangement, or form.

The scientist discovered an anomaly in the data.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Noun 2

an odd, peculiar, or strange condition, situation, quality, etc.

The weather anomaly caused unexpected snow in April.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35