Abnormal

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈæbˌnɔɹ.ml̩/

Definitions

1. Deviating from what is typical, usual, or expected in a way that may be concerning or irregular
2. Differing from the norm in a manner that is often considered unusual or undesirable
3. Characterized by irregularities when compared to standard patterns or behaviors that are commonly accepted

Etymology: The most surprising thing about "abnormal" is how late it arrived. The idea of a rule-breaking deviation is ancient, but the English word appears only in 1835, and it replaced earlier forms, "anormal" and the even older "abnormous." Those earlier forms were themselves borrowed from Latin "abnormis," meaning "departing from normal." The word is built from two parts. The prefix "ab-" means "away from," and "normal" comes from Latin "norma," meaning "rule" or "carpenter's square." So an abnormal thing is, literally, something that has moved away from the rule. Scholars disagree about the deeper source of "abnormis." It may come from "ab-" plus "norma," or it may trace back to the Greek "anṓmalos," meaning "uneven" or "irregular," but the Latin construction is the more direct route into English.

Synonyms: unusual, atypical, irregular, anomalous, deviant

Antonyms: normal, typical, usual, regular, standard