Definition

In a way that is unusual or not normal, often differing from what is expected or typical.

Example

The patient was behaving abnormally, which raised concerns among the doctors.

Conversation

Have you noticed that the weather has been acting abnormally lately?

Yeah, it's been so warm for this time of year.

I wonder if it's going to stay this way or if it'll change back to normal.

Who knows? It seems like climate patterns have been shifting abnormally often.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Abnormally → It is formed from "ab-" (meaning away from) and "normalis" (from Latin, meaning conforming to a standard). The word "abnormally" means deviating from what is considered normal or standard.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'away from' ('ab-') the 'standard' ('normalis') — that's why abnormally means not normal.

Visually Confused Words