Idiosyncrasy: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

• One of his quirks was collecting old postcards

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

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.

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.

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.

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.