MEANING
Different from an established pattern, expected result, or usual category in a way that calls for explanation.
Use it for
describing a result that does not fit the pattern; flagging an observation that needs explanation; distinguishing an unexpected finding from a proven errorIdentifies a departure from an expected pattern without prematurely classifying it as an error or a refutation. Writing functions: Evidence, Qualification / Uncertainty, Analysis / Interpretation.
Words that belong together
- an anomalous result
- anomalous behaviour
- an anomalous observation
On the page
The anomalous result persisted after the instrument was recalibrated.
Her account treats the apparent exception as anomalous rather than immediately dismissing it as a mistake.
Word forms
- Base
- anomalous
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Usage notes
Adjective; more anomalous and most anomalous are possible when comparing degrees of departure. No ordinary -er/-est forms. Register: academic. Commonness: moderately common (qualitative editorial estimate, informed by dictionaries/corpus).
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