B2 verb Formal

anomalous

/əˈnɒm.ə.ləs/

Describes something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected. It is typically used to identify data, behaviors, or situations that do not fit into an established pattern.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The warm weather in December was quite anomalous for this region.

The unusually high temperatures in December were not normal for this area.

2

The committee found the results of the second trial to be anomalous and requested a re-evaluation.

The committee noticed the second trial's results were irregular and asked for another review.

3

It’s totally anomalous that he’s late; he’s usually the first one here.

It is very strange that he is late because he is usually very punctual.

Word Family

Noun
anomalousness
Adverb
anomalously
Adjective
anomalous
Related
anomaly
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Memory Tip

Think of 'A-Normal-Us'. It sounds like 'A normal...' but with a twist, meaning 'not normal'.

Quick Quiz

The scientists were confused by the ___ readings, as they contradicted all previous experiments.

Correct!

The correct answer is: anomalous

Examples

1

The warm weather in December was quite anomalous for this region.

everyday

The unusually high temperatures in December were not normal for this area.

2

The committee found the results of the second trial to be anomalous and requested a re-evaluation.

formal

The committee noticed the second trial's results were irregular and asked for another review.

3

It’s totally anomalous that he’s late; he’s usually the first one here.

informal

It is very strange that he is late because he is usually very punctual.

4

Researchers identified several anomalous data points that skewed the final statistical analysis.

academic

Scientists found several irregular data entries that distorted the final statistics.

5

The sudden spike in sales during the off-season was an anomalous event that required investigation.

business

The unexpected increase in sales during the quiet season was an irregular occurrence that needed checking.

Word Family

Noun
anomalousness
Adverb
anomalously
Adjective
anomalous
Related
anomaly

Common Collocations

anomalous results irregular or unexpected findings
anomalous behavior conduct that deviates from the norm
anomalous data information that does not fit the pattern
anomalous situation a strange or irregular set of circumstances
anomalous findings conclusions that are inconsistent with expectations

Common Phrases

anomalous state of affairs

an irregular or unusual situation

anomalous position

a status or rank that is inconsistent with the norm

highly anomalous

extremely irregular or strange

Often Confused With

anomalous vs anonymous

Anonymous means having an unknown name or identity, while anomalous means irregular or abnormal.

📝

Usage Notes

Anomalous is a formal term often used in science, statistics, and formal reporting to describe things that don't fit a trend. It carries a neutral to clinical tone, rather than a negative one.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse it with 'anonymous' due to the similar sound, or try to use it as a noun when they should use 'anomaly'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'A-Normal-Us'. It sounds like 'A normal...' but with a twist, meaning 'not normal'.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Greek 'anomalos', meaning 'uneven' or 'irregular' (a- 'not' + homalos 'even').

Grammar Patterns

Used as an adjective before a noun (anomalous data). Used as a predicative adjective after a linking verb (The result was anomalous).

Quick Quiz

The scientists were confused by the ___ readings, as they contradicted all previous experiments.

Correct!

The correct answer is: anomalous

Related Words

unvolsion

C1

The process of deliberately detaching or withdrawing from a state of complex entanglement or involvement, often within social or systemic structures. It describes a conscious reversal of 'involution,' where one seeks to simplify or exit a convoluted situation.

circumpugible

C1

To systematically encircle and attack or challenge a target from all possible directions. This verb is often used to describe strategic military maneuvers or intense rhetorical debates where an opponent is overwhelmed from every side.

semidocable

C1

A semidocable is a technical component or data unit that possesses limited or conditional compatibility with a primary docking system or documentation framework. It typically designates an item that requires secondary manual verification or a specialized adapter to achieve full functional integration.

postgradism

C1

Postgradism refers to the sociocultural condition, mindset, or lifestyle associated with being a postgraduate student. It often describes the immersive academic environment or the tendency for individuals to remain in higher education for an extended period after completing their initial degree.

inurbtude

C1

To cause a person to lose their refined or sophisticated manners, typically by subjecting them to a rough or unpolished environment. It describes the process of becoming inurbane, socially coarse, or lacking in city-bred civility.

hypermaterness

C1

Characterized by or relating to an extreme, often overbearing state of maternal instinct and overprotectiveness. This term is used to describe a level of mothering that exceeds typical boundaries, potentially stifling the independence of the child.

decedance

C1

Characterized by or reflecting a state of moral or cultural decline, often associated with excessive indulgence in luxury, pleasure, or self-gratification. In modern contexts, it frequently describes things that are luxuriously rich or self-indulgent to the point of being excessive.

tricentcide

C1

Describing an act, event, or substance that results in the destruction or death of exactly three hundred distinct entities or individuals. It is also used in theoretical historical contexts to describe the catastrophic end of a three-hundred-year cycle or era.

autofugdom

C1

Describing a state of self-imposed isolation or the psychological condition of fleeing from one's own identity or social responsibilities. It characterizes a person or behavior focused on internal withdrawal and the avoidance of external reality to preserve a sense of self.

inplication

C1

To show that someone or something is involved in a crime, a scandal, or an undesirable situation. It can also refer to demonstrating that something is a contributing factor or cause of a specific outcome, typically a negative one.

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