Aberration
hardab-uh-RAY-shun
noun
Definition
A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected
Examples
“The data point was an aberration and should be excluded.”
“His violent outburst was an aberration from his usual calm behavior.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Aberration is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "anomaly" or "deviation" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "norm".
Related GRE Words
anomaly
Something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected
anachronism
Something that is out of place in terms of historical or chronological context
ubiquitous
Present, appearing, or found everywhere
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
abscond
To leave secretly and hide, especially to avoid arrest or prosecution
ameliorate
To make something bad or unsatisfactory better
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