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phenomena

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

A phenomenon is something that happens in the world that can be observed. It can be something that happens naturally, like a rainbow or a thunderstorm, or it can be something that happens because of human activity, like a car accident or a fire.

Phenomena can be big or small, short or long-lasting. They can be caused by a single event or by a combination of events.

Some examples of phenomena include:

  • The changing of the seasons
  • The growth of a plant
  • The movement of the planets
  • The decay of a radioactive element
  • The formation of a rainbow

How can the word be used?

The aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon.

phenomena

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • phenomenon (a fact or observable event).
  • phenomena (plural of phenomenon).

Adjective:

  • phenomenal (extraordinary or remarkable).

Etymology

The word "phenomenon" comes from the Greek word "phainomenon", which means "that which appears". The word "phainomenon" is the neuter present participle of the verb "phainesthai", which means "to appear".

The word "phenomenon" was first used in English in the 16th century. It was used to refer to anything that was observed or experienced.

The word "phenomenon" can be used to describe a wide variety of things, including natural phenomena, such as rainbows and auroras, and human-made phenomena, such as traffic jams and wars. It can also be used to describe something that is extraordinary or remarkable.

Question

What is a phenomena?