subnormality
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The condition of having less than normal intellectual capacity or development. This is the primary meaning, referring specifically to a significant impairment in cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior.
- The state or condition of being below the normal standard, average, or expected level. This is a more general meaning, which can apply to qualities other than intelligence, though it is less common.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The educational program was designed for children with intellectual subnormality.
- Early diagnosis and intervention can improve outcomes for individuals with subnormality.
- (General use) The subnormality of the test results across the group indicated a potential problem with the measurement technique.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Clinical Context: The term "subnormality" was once a standard clinical and legal term (e.g., "mental subnormality") but is now largely considered outdated and potentially offensive in social and medical contexts. Modern terminology prefers more specific and person-first language, such as "intellectual disability" or "developmental disability."
- The old law used the term "mental subnormality," which has since been replaced by "intellectual disability."
Variants and Related Words
- Subnormal (adjective): Below what is normal or average.
- The device recorded subnormal temperatures during the experiment.
- Intellectual Disability (noun phrase): The contemporary preferred term for the condition formerly described as intellectual subnormality.
Synonyms
- Intellectual disability
- Developmental disability
- Mental retardation (outdated/offensive)
- Cognitive impairment
Antonyms
- Normality
- Average ability
- Intellectual giftedness
Noun
- lack of normal development of intellectual capacities
- the state of being less than normal (especially with respect to intelligence)