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Idiosyncrasy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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idiosyncrasy

[หŒษชd.i.ษ™หˆsษชล‹.krษ™.si ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

personal trait

Idiosyncrasy is a unique behavior or characteristic that distinguishes an individual. It is a distinctive or peculiar feature or trait specific to a person.

Synonyms

peculiarity, quirk, trait.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
idiosyncrasy

Use when referring to a unique behavior or characteristic specific to an individual or group. Often highlights something unusual but not necessarily strange.

  • Her habit of singing while working was one of her many idiosyncrasies
peculiarity

Best for describing something that is distinctly odd or unusual. It can often have a slightly negative or curious connotation.

  • His peculiarities made him stand out in the crowd
quirk

Appropriate for light-hearted or charmingly odd characteristics, often used in a casual or affectionate context.

  • One of his quirks was collecting old postcards
trait

Used for any characteristic or feature of an individual, especially when referring to more general or defining attributes.

  • Honesty is a trait that she really values in her friends

Examples of usage

  • Her idiosyncrasy of always wearing mismatched socks made her stand out.
  • His idiosyncrasy of humming while he worked annoyed his colleagues.
Context #2 | Noun

medicine

In medicine, idiosyncrasy refers to an unexpected reaction to a drug or food specific to an individual, often due to genetic factors.

Synonyms

allergic reaction, hypersensitivity, unusual reaction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
idiosyncrasy

Use this word when referring to a unique, often strange behavior, characteristic, or habit of a person or thing. It's typically neutral or positive in connotation.

  • One of his idiosyncrasies is drinking coffee with a spoonful of butter.
  • Her idiosyncrasy makes her stand out in a crowd.
hypersensitivity

This term is used mainly in clinical or medical contexts to describe an excessive sensitivity to stimuli, which can be emotional or physical. It might imply an abnormal level of sensitivity.

  • The patient showed hypersensitivity to bright light after the surgery.
  • Her hypersensitivity to criticism makes it difficult for her to accept feedback.
allergic reaction

This phrase is appropriate for medical or health-related situations when the immune system reacts negatively to a substance, often causing symptoms like itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

  • She had an allergic reaction to peanuts and had to use her epinephrine pen.
  • After eating shellfish, he developed hives as an allergic reaction.
unusual reaction

Use this phrase when describing a response that deviates from what is typically expected or normal. It can apply to both physical and emotional responses and is generally neutral.

  • He had an unusual reaction to the medication, so the doctor decided to change his prescription.
  • Her unusual reaction to the surprise party made everyone concerned.

Examples of usage

  • She experienced an idiosyncrasy to the medication, causing severe allergic reactions.
  • His idiosyncrasy to certain foods meant he had to be careful about his diet.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Idiosyncrasies can significantly shape personality and behavior, often influencing how individuals interact with the world.
  • In psychology, recognizing someone's idiosyncrasies can help in understanding their needs and communication styles.
  • The study of individual differences often highlights these unique traits as essential in recognizing human diversity.

Literature

  • Many authors use idiosyncrasies to develop characters, making them more relatable and realistic.
  • Idiosyncratic speech patterns or habits can reveal deeper nuances of a characterโ€™s background and motivations.
  • Writers like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf explore their characters' unique traits to delve into the human psyche.

Cultural Context

  • In various cultures, idiosyncratic behaviors can reflect deeper social norms or values, emphasizing individuality.
  • Some societies celebrate idiosyncrasies as a form of art and personal expression, especially in music and fashion.
  • In group dynamics, shared idiosyncrasies can foster connection but might also lead to misunderstanding or exclusion.

Human Behavior

  • Idiosyncrasies can include everything from a specific way of speaking to unusual eating habits.
  • People often form strong attachments to others' idiosyncrasies, creating bonds through shared quirks.
  • In social settings, recognizing and embracing others' unique traits can lead to deeper relationships and connections.

Origin of 'idiosyncrasy'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from Greek, where 'idios' means 'one's own' and 'synkrasis' means 'mixing' or 'combining'.
  • The term began being used in English in the early 19th century, originally referring to individual physical characteristics.
  • Over time, the meaning evolved to include personal quirks and traits.

The word 'idiosyncrasy' originated from the Greek words 'idios' (meaning 'private' or 'distinct') and 'synkrasis' (meaning 'temperament'). It first appeared in the English language in the 17th century, referring to a peculiar temperament of an individual. Over time, its usage expanded to include unique traits or behaviors, both in general and medical contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,555, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.