Definition
Peculiar refers to something or someone that is strange, unusual, or distinct in a way that is not easily explained or understood.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
Strange, unusual, odd, unique, distinct
Antonyms
Common, ordinary, typical, usual, familiar
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | peculiarity, peculiarities |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | peculiar |
| Adverb | peculiarly |
Example Sentences
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The old house had a peculiar smell that no one could identify.
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The scientist discovered a peculiar species of bird that had never been seen before.
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The artist had a peculiar style that set her apart from other painters.
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The new teacher had a peculiar way of teaching that some students found confusing.
Usage
The word peculiar is often used to describe something or someone that is unusual or distinct in a way that is not easily explained or understood. It can be used to describe physical objects, people, behaviors, or ideas.
The root word “peculiar” comes from the Latin word “peculium,” meaning “private property.” In its original usage, peculiar referred to something that was privately owned or exclusive to a certain group. Over time, the word evolved to refer to something that was unique or distinct in a broader sense.
The word peculiar can be used in both positive and negative contexts. It can be used to describe something that is fascinating, intriguing, or charming in its strangeness, such as a peculiar work of art or a peculiar habit. Alternatively, it can be used to describe something that is unsettling, weird, or disturbing in its strangeness, such as a peculiar smell or a peculiar behavior.
There are various prefixes and suffixes that can be added to the word peculiar to modify its meaning. For example, the prefix “un-” can be added to create the word “unpeculiar,” which means that something is not peculiar or unusual. The suffix “-ity” can be added to create the word “peculiarity,” which refers to the quality of being peculiar or unique.
It is important to note that the word peculiar can be subjective and dependent on individual perspectives. What may seem peculiar to one person may not seem peculiar to another. Therefore, it is important to use the word with care and sensitivity, and to consider the context in which it is being used.