noun
C2
Proficient
aberration
ab-uh-RAY-shn
Aberration (noun) means something that departs noticeably from what is normal, expected, or typical. Example: “The company called the loss a temporary aberration, not a trend.”
noun
1
Something that departs noticeably from what is normal, expected, or typical.
"The company called the loss a temporary aberration, not a trend."
"Her outburst was an aberration — she's usually calm and patient."
2
(optics) A defect in a lens or mirror that prevents light from focusing perfectly.
"The telescope's image was blurred by chromatic aberration."
How to use aberration
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA one-off departure from the normal pattern — something that doesn't fit the usual trend.
Common pairings
statistical aberration
chromatic aberration
a brief aberration
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Word forms
- Plural
- aberrations
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company called the loss a temporary _____, not a trend.
Etymology
From Latin aberratio, "a wandering away," from the same root as aberrant.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for aberration
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for aberration →
Frequently asked questions
What does “aberration” mean?
The word “aberration” means something that departs noticeably from what is normal, expected, or typical. In plain terms, a one-off departure from the normal pattern — something that doesn't fit the usual trend.
How do you pronounce “aberration”?
“Aberration” is pronounced ab-uh-RAY-shn (/ˌæb.əˈɹeɪ.ʃn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “aberration” in a sentence?
Here is “aberration” used in a sentence: “The company called the loss a temporary aberration, not a trend.”
What part of speech is “aberration”?
“Aberration” is a noun.
Where does the word “aberration” come from?
The word “aberration” comes from Latin. From Latin aberratio, "a wandering away," from the same root as aberrant.
How many meanings does “aberration” have?
“Aberration” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something that departs noticeably from what is normal, expected, or typical.
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