anomalous

What does “anomalous” mean?

adjective.deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected.

SAT Usage

The term often appears in scientific or analytical contexts, emphasizing unexpected results or outliers in data. It suggests a significant deviation that prompts further investigation, distinguishing itself from words like "irregular," which may imply inconsistency without the same connotation of surprise or importance.

Common Confusions

Anomalous implies a significant deviation that prompts further investigation, while irregular usually suggests a lack of consistency without the same connotation of surprise or importance.

Example Sentences

• The anomalous result suggested a flaw in the experiment.

Word Parts: How to Remember “anomalous”

Break “anomalous” into its parts: an- (not, without). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: an- not, without (Greek)