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aberration

Noun

IPA /ˌæbəˈreɪʃn/

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Meaning in plain English

An event or action that is different from what is normal or expected, especially in an unwelcome way.

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Pronunciation

aberration/ˌæbəˈreɪʃn/

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His rude reply was an aberration; he is usually considerate.
We hope the unusually low test score was an aberration.

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His rude reply was an ________; he is usually considerate.

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aberration — An event or action that is different from what is normal or expected, especially in an unwelcome way.

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An event or action that is different from what is normal or expected, especially in an unwelcome way.

Compare: His rude reply was an aberration; he is usually considerate.

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Word origin

From Latin aberratio, related to aberrare, meaning to wander away or go astray.

Did you know?

A single unusual result can be described as an aberration rather than a continuing pattern.

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