aberrant
Aberrant (adj) means differing from what is normal or expected; deviating from the usual pattern. Example: “The scientists noted aberrant behavior in mice exposed to the chemical.”
How to use aberrant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot normal — straying noticeably from the typical or expected pattern.
Fairly formal; common in scientific, medical, and psychological writing.
Word forms
more aberrant comparative, aberrants plural, most aberrant superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The scientists noted _____ behavior in mice exposed to the chemical.
Etymology
From Latin aberrans, "wandering away," from ab- ("away") + errare ("to wander") — the same root as "err" and "error."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for aberrant
See all rhymes for aberrant →Frequently asked questions
What does “aberrant” mean?
The word “aberrant” means differing from what is normal or expected; deviating from the usual pattern. In plain terms, not normal — straying noticeably from the typical or expected pattern.
How do you pronounce “aberrant”?
“Aberrant” is pronounced uh-BEHR-uhnt (/əˈbɛɹ.ənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “aberrant” in a sentence?
Here is “aberrant” used in a sentence: “The scientists noted aberrant behavior in mice exposed to the chemical.”
What is another word for “aberrant”?
Words with a similar meaning to “aberrant” include freak.
What part of speech is “aberrant”?
“Aberrant” is an adjective.
Where does the word “aberrant” come from?
The word “aberrant” comes from Latin. From Latin aberrans, "wandering away," from ab- ("away") + errare ("to wander") — the same root as "err" and "error.".
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include aberrant: