Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day: "Anomaly"

Episode Date: September 25, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski
Podcast: Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day

Overview

This episode delves into the word "anomaly", exploring its meaning, providing an illustrative sentence, and unfolding its etymological roots. Host Peter Sokolowski breaks down how “anomaly” relates to other words, encouraging listeners to expand both vocabulary and understanding of English word origins.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Word Definition & Usage

• Anomaly is introduced as a noun, described as “a somewhat formal word that refers to something that is remarkable in its deviation from what is usual or expected.”
• Memorable quote:

  "Anomaly is a noun. It's a somewhat formal word that refers to something that is remarkable in its deviation from what is unusual or expected."
  — Peter Sokolowski [00:44]

Example in Context

• Sokolowski reads a sentence from Not Here, Not Now: Speculative Thought, Impossibility and the Design Imagination by Anthony Dunne and Fiona Raby:

  "Magic realism usually makes no attempt to explain or justify the anomaly behind the magical event. Its justification lies in the conceptual possibilities it allows for in the narrative pleasure it provides and [the] feeling of strangeness that comes from a familiar world being tweaked."
  — Peter Sokolowski [00:50]

Etymology Deep-Dive

• The host connects “anomaly” to the Greek word homos (meaning "same"), from which we get words like homonym, homogeneous, and homophone.
• He explains that anomaly comes from the Greek anomalos, meaning "uneven" or "irregular."
  • an- (not) + homalos (even) → “not even” or “irregular.”
  • “Homalos” itself derives from “homos.”
• Notable etymology explanation:

  “Although it's not obvious, homos is a part of the etymology of anomaly, too. Anomaly is a descendant, by way of the Latin and Middle French words, of the Greek word anomalos, which means uneven or irregular. Anomalous comes from the prefix a meaning not, and the word homalos meaning even. And homalos comes from homos.”
  — Peter Sokolowski [01:12–02:14]

Encouragement for Vocabulary Expansion

• Peter Sokolowski closes by encouraging continued learning and exploring words through Merriam-Webster’s website for further definitions and trending lookups.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Definition Highlight:

  "Anomaly is a noun. It's a somewhat formal word that refers to something that is remarkable in its deviation from what is unusual or expected."
  — Peter Sokolowski [00:44]

• Example Sentence:

  "Magic realism usually makes no attempt to explain or justify the anomaly behind the magical event..."
  — Peter Sokolowski [00:50]

• Etymology Connection:

  "Although it's not obvious, homos is a part of the etymology of anomaly, too."
  — Peter Sokolowski [01:12]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Introduction / Word Announcement: [00:44]
• Definition and Example Sentence: [00:44–01:12]
• Etymology Discussion: [01:12–02:14]
• Conclusion & Call to Explore More Words: [02:20]

Summary

This episode of Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day unpacks the meaning of "anomaly," offering a clear definition, a literary example, and an accessible etymological breakdown. Peter Sokolowski connects the term to familiar roots in the English language, fostering an appreciation for the structure and heritage of vocabulary. The episode leaves listeners better equipped to recognize and make use of “anomaly” in their own speech and writing.