Epiphenomenon - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Definition:
A secondary phenomenon that occurs alongside but does not causally influence a primary phenomenon.
Synonyms:
byproduct, side effect, incidental occurrence, secondary phenomenon
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
cause, primary phenomenon
Common Collocations:
mental epiphenomenon, biological epiphenomenon, cultural epiphenomenon
Derivatives:
epiphenomenal, epiphenomenally
Usage Tips:
Use it to describe an unintended or minor effect accompanying a main process or event.
Common Phrases:
"mere epiphenomenon, " "epiphenomenon of consciousness, " "cultural epiphenomenon"
Etymology:
From Greek *epi-* (upon) + *phainomenon* (appearance), meaning something appearing alongside another.
Examples:
- 1. The headache was just an epiphenomenon of his stress.
- 2. Some argue that consciousness is merely an epiphenomenon of brain activity.
- 3. Her fatigue was an epiphenomenon of the medication’s side effects.
- 4. The economic boom was accompanied by an epiphenomenon of increased consumer debt.