anomalous

Group 3Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(adjective)
Deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected
GRE

Example in Context

The anomalous temperature readings from the Arctic station prompted scientists to recalibrate their climate models.

Synonyms

unusualirregularabnormal

Etymology

Not even or standard; a deviation from the norm.

  • an- (Greek) — not
  • omalos (Greek) — even

Memory Aid

🧙Sounds like “a gnome lost

A gnome wandering around in a suit at a beach party is ANOMALOUS — he clearly missed the dress code!

Visual Association

A rainbow-colored fish swimming among a school of plain gray fish, standing out as an oddity.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “anomalous” mean on the GRE?

anomalous (adjective) means “Deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected”. The anomalous temperature readings from the Arctic station prompted scientists to recalibrate their climate models.

How to remember “anomalous” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “anomalous” sounds like “a gnome lost”. A gnome wandering around in a suit at a beach party is ANOMALOUS — he clearly missed the dress code!

What are synonyms for “anomalous”?

Common synonyms: unusual, irregular, abnormal.