Definitions
- Describing something that deviates from the norm or standard. - Referring to a condition or behavior that is not typical or expected. - Talking about a situation or circumstance that is outside of the usual range of experience.
- Describing something that is not common or ordinary. - Referring to a situation or occurrence that is unexpected or surprising. - Talking about something that is different from what is usually seen or experienced.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is not typical or expected.
- 2Both words can be used to describe a deviation from the norm.
- 3Both words can be used to describe a situation or circumstance that is outside of the usual range of experience.
What is the difference?
- 1Degree: Abnormal implies a greater degree of deviation from the norm than unusual.
- 2Connotation: Abnormal has a more negative connotation than unusual, which can be neutral or positive.
- 3Cause: Abnormal often implies a medical or scientific cause, while unusual does not necessarily have a specific cause.
- 4Frequency: Unusual implies something that is rare or infrequent, while abnormal can refer to something that is consistently outside of the norm.
- 5Scope: Abnormal can refer to a wide range of contexts, including medical conditions, behaviors, and situations, while unusual is more limited in scope.
Remember this!
Abnormal and unusual are both words used to describe something that is not typical or expected. However, abnormal implies a greater degree of deviation from the norm and often has a negative connotation, while unusual is more neutral or positive and implies something that is rare or unexpected.
