Definition

The condition of being below normal or average in some way.

Example

The study focused on the subnormality of certain test scores among the students.

Conversation

I read an article about subnormality in intelligence tests today.

Oh really? What did it say?

It mentioned how some people might not perform well due to various factors, not just their ability.

That makes sense; sometimes, external conditions can really affect results.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Subnormality → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under or below) and "normal" (from Latin "normalis", meaning conforming to a standard). The suffix "-ity" (meaning the state or condition of) indicates a state of being below the normal standard. Thus, subnormality refers to the condition of being below the normal standard.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'under' ('sub-') the 'standard' ('normal') — that's why subnormality means being in a state below what is considered normal.

Visually Confused Words