aberration
A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome. It refers to a temporary change or a deviation from the standard path or rule.
Examples
3 of 5The snowy weather in April was a climate aberration for the city.
The unusual snow in April was an unexpected departure from the normal weather.
The committee concluded that the error was a statistical aberration rather than a systemic failure.
The group decided the mistake was just a one-time data deviation, not a deep problem.
I'm usually on time; being late today was just a weird aberration.
I am normally punctual; today's lateness was a strange exception to my routine.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'ab-err-ation'. 'Ab' means 'away' and 'err' means 'to wander' (like an error). It's an error where something wanders away from the normal path.
Quick Quiz
The poor test score was a complete ______, as she usually gets straight A's.
Correct!
The correct answer is: aberration
Examples
The snowy weather in April was a climate aberration for the city.
everydayThe unusual snow in April was an unexpected departure from the normal weather.
The committee concluded that the error was a statistical aberration rather than a systemic failure.
formalThe group decided the mistake was just a one-time data deviation, not a deep problem.
I'm usually on time; being late today was just a weird aberration.
informalI am normally punctual; today's lateness was a strange exception to my routine.
Chromosomal aberrations can lead to significant biological changes in an organism.
academicAbnormalities in chromosomes can cause major changes in living things.
The sudden drop in sales last month was an aberration in an otherwise profitable year.
businessThe quick fall in sales was a temporary exception in a year that was mostly successful.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
a momentary aberration
a brief instance of behaving unlike oneself
a statistical aberration
a result that is very different from the average
an optical aberration
a failure of a lens to produce an exact image
Often Confused With
Abhorrence means a feeling of strong hatred, while aberration is a deviation from the norm.
An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word, whereas an aberration is an abnormality.
Usage Notes
The word is almost always used as a noun. It typically implies that the deviation is temporary and not representative of the subject's true nature or general trend.
Common Mistakes
Learners often try to use 'aberration' as a verb. Remember that 'aberration' is the thing that happens, while 'aberrant' is the adjective describing it.
Memory Tip
Think of 'ab-err-ation'. 'Ab' means 'away' and 'err' means 'to wander' (like an error). It's an error where something wanders away from the normal path.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'aberrare', which means 'to wander away'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In sports and politics, this word is often used as a sophisticated way to describe a 'one-off' bad performance or a scandalous mistake that shouldn't define a person's career.
Quick Quiz
The poor test score was a complete ______, as she usually gets straight A's.
Correct!
The correct answer is: aberration
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
proceed
C1The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.
individual
C1Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.
appropriately
B2To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.
region
B2A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.
resource
B2A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
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