phenomenon
gb/fənˈɑmənˌɑn/ us/fənˈɑmənˌɑn/
B2
English
~ 2500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
event
1
observable fact or event
Something that happens or exists and can be seen or noticed.
Usage pattern:
a phenomenon of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'phenomenon' with 'phenomena'. 'Phenomenon' is singular; 'phenomena' is plural.
Synonyms
occurrence (More general term for something that happens, without implying noteworthiness.)
|
event (Refers to something that happens, often specific in time and place.)
Antonyms
nonexistence (Refers to the absence of any occurrence or reality.)
Collocations
natural phenomenon
|social phenomenon
|rare phenomenon
|cultural phenomenon
|global phenomenon
Themes
science
|nature
|society
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that attracts tourists from around the world.
- The rise of social media is a cultural phenomenon of the 21st century.
- Scientists are studying the phenomenon of climate change.
Learner examples
- Rainbows are a natural phenomenon.
- Smartphones are a modern phenomenon.
- Snow in summer is a strange phenomenon.
Noun
B2
entity
2
remarkable person or thing
A person or thing that is very special or amazing.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is a phenomenon
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse this meaning when 'talent' or 'star' would be more natural in casual speech.
Synonyms
prodigy (Usually refers to a young person with exceptional talent.)
|
marvel (Emphasizes something wonderful or astonishing.)
Antonyms
mediocrity (Refers to someone or something average and unremarkable.)
Collocations
sporting phenomenon
|musical phenomenon
|child prodigy phenomenon
Themes
people
|achievement
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The young chess champion is a phenomenon in the world of competitive gaming.
- This singer became a global phenomenon after her first album.
- He is considered a phenomenon in modern physics.
Learner examples
- She is a sports phenomenon.
- That book was a reading phenomenon.
- He became a music phenomenon.
Grammar
Dictionary form
phenomenon
IPA
GB/fənˈɑmənˌɑn/
US/fənˈɑmənˌɑn/
Syllables & stress
phe - nomen - on (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (nomen)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: phenomenon
- Plural: phenomena, phenomenons
Word family
Forms
phenomena
noun
phenomenons
noun
Core family
phenomenal
adjective B2
phenomenally
adverb B2
Advanced or less common
phenomenology
noun C2
phenomenological
adjective
Expressions
cultural phenomenon
1/kˈʌlt͡ʃɚəl fənˈɑmənˌɑn/
fixed phrase
widely recognized cultural trend/event
Something in culture that many people know about and talk about.
Examples
- The Harry Potter series became a cultural phenomenon worldwide.
- Social media influencers are now a cultural phenomenon.
natural phenomenon
1/nˈæt͡ʃɚəl fənˈɑmənˌɑn/
fixed phrase
technical
event occurring in nature
Something that happens in nature and can be seen or measured.
Examples
- Earthquakes are a natural phenomenon that scientists study carefully.
- Lightning is a natural phenomenon caused by electrical charges in the atmosphere.
rare phenomenon
1/ɹˈɛɹ fənˈɑmənˌɑn/
fixed phrase
unusual observable event/fact
Something that does not happen often and can be seen or noticed.
Examples
- A total solar eclipse is a rare phenomenon.
- Snowfall in the desert is a rare phenomenon.