Extraordinary or remarkable in a way that is perceptible to the senses. Something that exceeds normal expectations or appears exceptional.
From Greek phainomenon meaning 'that which appears or is seen', from phainein 'to show'. The philosophical sense developed in German philosophy, then entered English in the 1800s to describe both philosophical concepts and extraordinary occurrences.
This word bridges the gap between philosophy and everyday amazement - Kant used it to describe the world as we perceive it (versus the unknowable 'noumenal' world), but we use it when someone scores an incredible goal. It's one of the few philosophical terms that became a compliment!
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