aberration
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “aberration” mean?
noun.a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected.
SAT Usage
This term often appears in contexts discussing deviations from expected behavior, scientific anomalies, or unusual events in literature and history. It emphasizes a significant divergence from the norm, suggesting not just a minor irregularity but a noteworthy and often concerning departure that can have implications for understanding broader patterns or themes.
Common Confusions
Aberration implies a significant and concerning deviation from the norm, while anomaly usually suggests a mere irregularity that may not carry the same weight or implications.
Example Sentences
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Her rudeness was an aberration; she was usually polite.
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This result was an aberration from the expected pattern.
Word Parts: How to Remember “aberration”
Break “aberration” into its parts: ab- (away from, off) + -err- (to wander). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
ab-away from, off (Latin) -
Root:
-err-to wander (Latin)