abnormal

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective not normal; not typical or usual or regular or conforming to a norm
  2. adjective departing from the normal in e.g. intelligence and development
  3. adjective much greater than the normal

Etymology

From ab- + normal. First attested in 1835, replacing the earlier anormal and even earlier abnormous, from Latin abnormis (“departing from normal”), from either ab- (“away from”) + norma (“rule, norm”), or Ancient Greek ἀνώμαλος (anṓmalos).

In classic literature

Synonyms

unnatural

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