The phrase "above normal" is generally spelled as it sounds with the exception of the letter "o" in "normal," which represents the schwa sound /ə/. The schwa sound is a weak, unstressed vowel that occurs in many English words, including "sofa," "banana," and "about." In IPA phonetic transcription, "above normal" would be transcribed as /əˈbʌv ˈnɔːm(ə)l/, with the schwa sound represented by the upside-down "e" symbol and the British English pronunciation of "normal" indicated by the lengthening of the "o" sound.
"Above normal" refers to a state or condition that is higher, greater, or exceeding what is considered typical, standard, or average in a particular context. It signifies a level or degree that is elevated or surpasses the norm. This term is predominantly used to describe values, quantities, or measurements that go beyond the range expected for a given situation.
In various fields such as weather, climate, statistics, and human behavior, "above normal" indicates an extent or intensity that is higher than what is customary or anticipated based on historical data or established benchmarks. For instance, in meteorology, it is often employed to denote temperatures that are greater than the average expected for a specific time of year, such as above-normal summer temperatures or above-normal snowfall for a winter season.
The term can also be abstract and extend beyond purely quantitative measures. In general conversation or discussions, "above normal" may convey an assessment of something that is better, superior, or superior to ordinary standards or performance. It suggests a level of excellence or accomplishment that surpasses what is generally considered ordinary or average. For example, one might say that a student's grades are above normal, indicating that they are performing exceptionally well academically.
Overall, "above normal" suggests a deviation from what is usual or expected, implying a higher degree than the standard or average for a specific situation, whether it is in terms of quantity, intensity, quality, or performance.
The etymology of the phrase "above normal" is quite straightforward. The word "above" has its origin in Middle English, derived from the Old English word "abufan", meaning "on top of" or "over". "Normal", on the other hand, comes from the Latin word "normalis", stemming from "norma" meaning "carpenter's square" or "rule". Over time, "normalis" came to signify "according to a norm or a rule". Thus, combining "above" and "normal" literally creates the term "above normal", which denotes a state or condition that surpasses the usual or average standard.