Definition

Referring to something that is a secondary effect or consequence, not directly causing anything but occurring as a result of other processes.

Example

The researchers found that the changes in behavior were epiphenomenal and did not influence the underlying neurological processes.

Conversation

I was reading about how some thoughts are actually epiphenomenal to brain activity.

That's interesting! So they don't really cause anything themselves?

Exactly! They just happen as a byproduct of what goes on in our brains.

Wow, that really changes how I think about my thoughts.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Epiphenomenal → It is formed from "epi-" (meaning upon or over), "phenomenon" (from Greek "phainomenon", meaning that which appears or is seen), and the suffix "-al" (meaning relating to). The term describes something that is a secondary effect or byproduct that arises from a primary phenomenon.

Memory Tip

Think of something that appears 'upon' ('epi-') a primary event or effect ('phenomenon') — that's why epiphenomenal refers to a secondary effect.

Visually Confused Words