aberrant

USAGE SUMMARY

'aberrant' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is unusual or deviates from what is expected. Example: The tactics employed by the politician were aberrant and unexpected.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Every departure from what has been asserted as "proper" and "fitting" from that very specific standpoint is dismissed as aberrant, and is ridiculed and subordinated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hoping to snuff out aberrant individualism, the ministry introduced detailed rules governing uniforms, haircuts and codes of conduct.

The Economist

In June this year, the SEC fined Andersen $7m for "improper professional conduct", its first such case for more than 20 years.This was not mere aberrant behaviour by some far-flung outpost of the 85,000-strong Andersen empire.

The Economist

So long as the world in this case the family and its structure is not too aberrant, most predictable phenotypic differences will be the result of genetic differences, sometimes quite small ones, not environmental differences.

The Economist

No wonder GM has been called a workers' collective, and Detroit a mini-Sweden.Imperfect competitionOne plausible explanation of this aberrant behaviour lies in the industry's ownership structure.

The Economist

This is particularly worrying in the light of work which shows that pathological behaviour in childhood is a good predictor of a lifetime of aberrant behaviour.Some caution is needed.

The Economist

The cancer concerned, known rather cryptically as non-small-cell lung cancer, is actually the most common form of the disease, accounting for about 80% of cases.In 2007 a group of researchers discovered that the fusion of two normally independent genes, EML4 and ALK, into one aberrant gene seems to drive the formation of tumours.

The Economist

Next month Britain will have its first referendum for years (on whether to change its voting system), and there is talk of voter recalls for aberrant MPs.

The Economist

Add to these genuinely free media and a citizenry glued to news bulletins, and the result is a healthy cacophony that no aberrant government could silence without resort to force.In the past year music activists in particular have proven adept at rallying public opinion.

The Economist

It is a mistake to "categorise the minorities by the behaviour of their most aberrant members".Clearly so.

The Economist

In a recent speech to journalists David Irvine, a former head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the country's domestic spy agency, insisted that violent extremists comprise a tiny minority—"a few hundred aberrant souls".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aberrant", ensure that the context clearly establishes the norm from which a deviation is occurring. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "aberrant" to describe minor variations or differences. The term implies a significant and often undesirable departure from the norm.

Linguistic Context

The word "aberrant" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that deviates from the normal, expected, or acceptable standard. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correct and usable. The provided examples show its use in diverse contexts, further illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aberrant" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that deviates from the norm, with Ludwig AI confirming its validity. While frequently employed across news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, its neutral-to-formal register requires careful consideration of the intended audience. Remember to clearly define the norm from which deviation is occurring to ensure clarity. Be mindful of using the word to express important and significant deviations only to avoid exaggerations. Its frequent presence in authoritative sources, such as "The Economist" and "Encyclopedia Britannica", highlights its reliability and appropriateness in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abnormal

This describes something that deviates from what is considered normal or typical.

deviant

This suggests a departure from accepted standards or norms.

irregular

This indicates a lack of conformity to established rules or patterns.

anomalous

This highlights something that is inconsistent with the general pattern or expectation.

atypical

This emphasizes a departure from the typical or usual type.

unconventional

This suggests a deviation from established customs or practices.

uncommon

This implies something not frequently encountered or observed.

uncharacteristic

This indicates a deviation from the usual or expected character.

peculiar

This emphasizes something that is strange or unusual.

exceptional

This highlights something that is out of the ordinary or surpassing what is common

FAQs

How to use "aberrant" in a sentence?

You can use "aberrant" to describe something that deviates from the norm. For example, "The politician's tactics were "aberrant" and unexpected".

What can I say instead of "aberrant"?

You can use alternatives like "abnormal", "deviant", or "irregular" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "aberrant behavior" or "aberrant behaviour"?

Both "aberrant behavior" and "aberrant behaviour" are correct. "Behavior" is the American spelling, while "behaviour" is the British spelling.

What's the difference between "aberrant" and "abnormal"?

"Aberrant" often implies a deviation from a moral or natural course, while "abnormal" simply means not typical or usual. Therefore, "aberrant" has a stronger connotation than "abnormal".