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  1. Home /
  2. Dictionaries /
  3. English Dictionary /
  4. phenomenal

phenomenal

/fɪˈnɒm.ən.əl/

What does "phenomenal" mean in English?

exceptionally good or impressive

The concert was phenomenal, with breathtaking performances.

The concert was exceptionally good, with performances that were impressive and outstanding.


How to use "phenomenal" correctly: definitions and examples in English?

informal

Exceptionally good or impressive; outstanding in quality or performance.

She gave a phenomenal speech that moved the entire audience.

Her speech was exceptionally powerful and impressive, deeply affecting everyone who heard it.

The restaurant received phenomenal reviews for its innovative dishes.

The restaurant was praised highly for its outstanding and creative food offerings.

Often used to describe something that exceeds expectations or is remarkably impressive.

Collocations

phenomenal successan outstanding or remarkable achievementphenomenal growthrapid and impressive developmentphenomenal talentexceptional skill or ability

Synonyms

outstandingexceptionalremarkableimpressiveextraordinary

Antonyms

mediocreordinarypooraverageunremarkable

Related Phrases

phenomenal womanphrase
a woman who is exceptionally talented or impressive
phenomenal cosmic powerphrase
a humorous or exaggerated way to describe immense strength or ability

Pro Tip

Avoid Overuse

While 'phenomenal' is a strong word, using it too frequently can make it lose its impact. Reserve it for truly exceptional situations.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

Ensure the context justifies the use of 'phenomenal'—it should describe something truly outstanding, not just good.

Word Origin

From Greek 'phainomenon' (appearance, phenomenon) + '-al' (suffix forming adjectives). Originally used in philosophy to describe observable things, later adopted in general language to mean 'exceptional'.

Usage Notes

Commonly used in informal and formal contexts to describe something or someone that is exceptionally good. Avoid overuse, as it can lose impact if applied too broadly.

Word Breakdown

phenomen-
relating to observable things or appearances
root
+
-al
suffix forming adjectives
suffix
English Dictionary
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