phe ‧ nom ‧ e ‧ non W3 AC /fɪˈnɒmənən, fɪˈnɒmɪnən $ fɪˈnɑːmənɑːn, -nən/ BrE AmE noun ( plural phenomena /-nə/) [countable]
[ Date: 1500-1600 ; Language: Late Latin ; Origin: Greek phainomenon , from phainein 'to show' ]
1 . something that happens or exists in society, science, or nature, especially something that is studied because it is difficult to understand
phenomenon of
the growing phenomenon of telecommuting
Homelessness is not a new phenomenon.
natural/historical/social etc phenomenon
Language is a social and cultural phenomenon.
2 . something or someone that is very unusual because of a rare quality or ability that they have
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COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ a new phenomenon
The idea that we may be able to live forever is is not a new phenomenon.
▪ a recent phenomenon
Detailed food labelling is a fairly recent phenomenon.
▪ a common phenomenon
Cloudy water is a common phenomenon in new aquariums.
▪ a rare phenomenon
Planes have occasionally disappeared in midair, but this is a rare phenomenon.
▪ a strange phenomenon
What could explain this strange phenomenon?
▪ a natural phenomenon (=one that happens in nature)
Natural phenomena such as the appearance of comets intrigued him.
▪ a social/cultural etc phenomenon
Crime is a complex social phenomenon.
▪ supernatural/paranormal phenomena (=ones that appear to be against the laws of nature)
Ghosts are one example of paranormal phenomena.
▪ psychic phenomena (=relating to the power of the human mind to do strange things)
psychic phenomena such as telepathy
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THESAURUS
▪ event something that happens, especially something important, interesting, or unusual:
He spoke of the tragic event in which more than 100 people died.
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recent political events
▪ occurrence /əˈkʌrəns $ əˈkʌrəns/ formal something that happens – used especially when saying how often something happens:
Divorce is a common occurrence these days.
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Storms like this one are fortunately a rare occurrence.
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Accidents are almost a daily occurrence on this road.
▪ incident something that happens, especially something that is unusual or unpleasant, or something that is one of several events:
He died after a violent incident outside a nightclub.
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This latest incident could put an end to his career.
▪ occasion an important social event or celebration:
She only wore the dress for special occasions.
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It was his 100th birthday, and friends and family gathered to mark the occasion.
▪ affair [usually singular] something that happens, especially something shocking in political or public life which involves several people and events:
The affair has caused people to lose confidence in their government.
▪ phenomenon /fɪˈnɒmənən, fɪˈnɒmɪnən $ fɪˈnɑːmənɑːn, -nən/ something that happens or exists in society, science, or nature, especially something that is studied because it is difficult to understand:
natural phenomena such as earthquakes
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Homelessness is not a new phenomenon.