Aberrational

/ˌæbəˈreɪʃənəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to, characterized by, or of the nature of an aberration; atypical or deviating from the norm.

Etymology

From 'aberration' + '-al' (adjectival suffix). This form provides a longer, more formal alternative to 'aberrant' for technical or formal contexts.

Kelly Says

The existence of both 'aberrant' and 'aberrational' shows English's love of synonyms—they're almost interchangeable, but 'aberrational' sounds slightly more formal, so writers use it when they want extra gravitas around the deviation they're discussing.

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