Abnormal
/əbˈnɔːrml/
adjectiveIntermediateCommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
Deviating from what is typical, usual, or expected.
/əbˈnɔːrml/
adjectiveneutralIntermediate
General
not typical, usual, or expected; deviating from a norm or standard.
His abnormal behaviour was a cause for concern.
How It's Used
General
"An abnormal temperature could indicate an infection."
From Latin 'ab-' (away from, not) + 'normalis' (normal). First attested in English in the 15th century.
Historically, 'abnormal' described anything deviating from what was considered 'normal' or 'natural', including moral or societal norms.
Memory tip
Imagine a 'normal' circle, and something 'abnormal' is outside or away from that circle.
Practice
Base: ab-
abnormalyabnornalabnromal
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written