phenomenon
UK: /fəˈnɒmɪnən/ | US: /fəˈnɑːmɪnən/
n. an observable fact or event
n. a remarkable or exceptional occurrence
n. (philosophy) an object or aspect known through the senses rather than by thought
Derived from Greek phainomenon ("that which appears"), from phainein ("to show, bring to light"). The root pheno- (appearing in words like phenotype and phenomenal) retains its Greek meaning of visibility or manifestation. The suffix -menon marks it as a neuter passive participle in Greek, later adopted into Latin and English as a noun. The word’s evolution reflects a shift from concrete visibility ("what is seen") to abstract exceptionality ("remarkable event").
The northern lights are a natural phenomenon that attracts many tourists.
Social media has become a global phenomenon in the 21st century.
Scientists studied the phenomenon of bacterial resistance.
His sudden fame was an unexpected phenomenon.
In philosophy, Kant distinguished between noumenon and phenomenon.