In literature, and not only in scientific, but also in fiction, the word "phenomenon" is often found. Here, for example, is a quote from the work of Erich Fromm, where it is used:
The most striking phenomenon of the modern world is the belief in dictatorial leaders.
There are examples of the use of the word “phenomenon” in texts designed for different audiences. It is found in The Strange Man and Black City by Boris Akunin, in Pere, Canvas and Poison by Oscar Wilde, in Tess from the d'Herberville family by Thomas Hardy, in Janusz Wisniewski's Intimate Theory of Relativity.
But it is found not only in literature. Often the word "phenomenon" can be heard in cinematographic works. By the way, they use it, for example, the heroes of the popular series "Supernatural", evil spirits hunters Dean and Sam Winchester:
- Maybe this is not our case, just a medical phenomenon?
- How many times in my father’s century did such cases turn out to be a medical phenomenon, and not a sign of a terrible supernatural death?
- Mmm ... not once.
- Here I am about the same.
What is the meaning of the word "phenomenon"? In what situations will it sound appropriate? Where, when reading and playing out loud this word, should one stress it? The meaning of the word “phenomenon” and stress in it will be discussed further.
What is a phenomenon?
To begin with, the word “phenomenon” has several equal and interconnected meanings. Its meaning depends on the context, that is, on the situation in which it is used. There are at least three such situations that are similar to each other, but have nuances and therefore give this word shades of meaning. So what is the meaning of the word "phenomenon"?
In the most commonly used sense, it is something difficult to comprehend, some unusual phenomenon or rare fact. Usually it is this meaning of the word that is meant when it is used in popular culture.
What are two more? Both remaining meanings are terms, and one of them is a general term of the widest application, and the second is limited to the natural science topic and scope.
- Phenomenon as a term in the general sense means a phenomenon given in sensory contemplation.
- A phenomenon in the context of the natural sciences is a phenomenon or event that is currently observed or can be observed at some point in time.
Where did this word come from?
The word "phenomenon" is of Greek origin. In Greek, φαινόμενον, and this is how it was written in the original, meant "appearance" or "appearing." As you can judge, the meaning and essence of the word are enclosed in itself, if you know its translation from the Greek language.
How to pronounce?
In order to establish how to correctly pronounce the word "phenomenon", you need to look into a modern and complete orthoepic dictionary, that is, codifying the norms of pronunciation. For example, in the orthoepic dictionary of the Russian language, compiled by a team of authors edited by R.I. Avanesov, reprinted and supplemented by followers in the 21st century.
According to the dictionary article, at present the word “phenomenon” has an accent on the second syllable, that is, to pronounce correctly: [f'nOm'en]. However, back in the 1990s, the options [f'nOm'en] and [f'n ^ m'En] were recognized as normative, that is, the emphasis could be placed on both the second and third syllables.