abnormal

Adjective

UK: /æbˈnɔː.məl/

US: /æbˈnɔːr.məl/


Definition

Abnormal means something that is not normal or usual. It’s different from what is expected.

Abnormal refers to something that deviates from what is typical or usual. It indicates a condition or behavior that is not within the expected range of normality.

Examples and Usage

▶️ Different from Usual

Example: The plant’s abnormal growth made it much taller than the others.

  • Explanation: In this sentence, "abnormal" means the plant grew in a way that was different from the other plants.

Example: It was abnormal for the dog to sleep during the day because he usually played outside.

  • Explanation: Here, "abnormal" means it was different from usual for the dog to sleep during the day.

Example: It was abnormal for the sun to be shining when it was raining.

  • Explanation: In this sentence, "abnormal" means it was unusual to see the sun shining while it was raining.

Example: The cat’s abnormal color made it look different from other cats.

  • Explanation: Here, "abnormal" means the cat’s color was different from what is usual for cats.

▶️ Deviating from the Usual

Example: The patient’s abnormal test results indicated a potential health issue.

  • Explanation: Here, "abnormal" describes test results that differ from what is typically expected, suggesting a possible health problem.

Example: The software experienced abnormal behavior, such as frequent crashes and errors.

  • Explanation: In this context, "abnormal" refers to the software’s performance being inconsistent with its usual, expected operation.

How to Use "Abnormal"

When talking about something different from what you expect:

☑️Example: The cat’s abnormal behavior worried the vet.

  • Subject: The cat’s
  • Predicate: abnormal behavior worried the vet
    • "abnormal" (adjective meaning not normal)
    • "behavior" (noun describing the cat's actions)

☑️Example: It was abnormal for it to snow in summer.

  • Subject: It
  • Predicate: was abnormal for it to snow in summer
    • "abnormal" (adjective meaning not usual)
    • "for it to snow in summer" (clause explaining what was different)

When talking about something that is not usual:

☑️Example: An abnormal sound from the toy made it seem strange.

  • Subject: An abnormal sound
  • Predicate: made it seem strange
    • "abnormal" (adjective meaning unusual)
    • "sound" (noun describing the noise)

☑️Example: It was abnormal for the ice cream to be warm.

  • Subject: It
  • Predicate: was abnormal for the ice cream to be warm
    • "abnormal" (adjective meaning not usual)
    • "for the ice cream to be warm" (clause explaining the difference)

Detailed Usage

When discussing deviations from the norm:

☑️Example: The sudden increase in temperature was considered abnormal for this time of year.

  • Subject: The sudden increase in temperature
  • Predicate: was considered abnormal for this time of year
    • "abnormal" (adjective meaning unusual)
    • "for this time of year" (prepositional phrase specifying the context)

☑️Example: Abnormal psychological responses may require further investigation to understand underlying causes.

  • Subject: Abnormal psychological responses
  • Predicate: may require further investigation to understand underlying causes
    • "abnormal" (adjective meaning atypical)
    • "psychological responses" (noun phrase describing what is abnormal)

More Examples

☑️Example: The abnormal shape of the fruit made it look funny.

  • Explanation: The fruit looked different from what fruits usually look like.

☑️Example: It was abnormal to see a bird that big in our yard.

  • Explanation: The bird was much bigger than what they usually see in the yard.

☑️Example: The abnormal noise from the car meant something might be wrong.

  • Explanation: The car was making a noise that was different from usual, which could mean there was a problem.

☑️Example: The abnormal patterns in the data suggested a possible error in the experiment.

  • Explanation: The patterns did not match the expected results, indicating a potential mistake.

☑️Example: The doctor noted several abnormal signs that required immediate attention.

  • Explanation: The signs were different from normal health indicators and needed prompt evaluation.

☑️Example: Abnormal market fluctuations can indicate economic instability.

  • Explanation: Market changes that deviate from typical patterns might signal underlying economic problems.

☑️Example: It was abnormal to see snow in summer.

  • Explanation: Snow in summer is different from what we usually see.

☑️Example: Her shoes were abnormal because they were much bigger than usual.

  • Explanation: The shoes were not like the ones she usually wears.

Contextual Notes

In professional and scientific contexts, "abnormal" is often used to describe deviations that may indicate issues or irregularities that require further analysis or intervention. It is a neutral term and does not necessarily imply negative connotations unless contextually appropriate.



Antonyms & Near Antonyms