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Idiosyncratic: meaning, definitions and examples

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idiosyncratic

 

[ˌɪdɪə(ʊ)ˈsɪŋkrətɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

personality traits

Relating to or having idiosyncrasy; peculiar or individual.

Synonyms

distinctive, individual, peculiar, unique.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
idiosyncratic

Use this word to describe things or people that have strange, distinct characteristics or habits that are uniquely their own. It may have a slightly negative connotation depending on the situation.

  • His idiosyncratic way of dressing always made him stand out in the crowd.
  • Her idiosyncratic taste in music includes genres most people have never heard of.
peculiar

Use this word when you want to describe something that is strange or unusual in a way that stands out. It often carries a negative or odd connotation.

  • He had a peculiar habit of talking to himself in public.
  • There was a peculiar smell coming from the kitchen.
distinctive

This word is best suited for describing something that is easy to recognize because it is different from others. It generally has a positive or neutral connotation.

  • The Eiffel Tower is one of the most distinctive landmarks in the world.
  • He has a distinctive voice that makes him an excellent narrator.
individual

This word can describe something or someone that is separate from others and has its own unique qualities. It is often neutral and used when emphasizing separateness.

  • Each student has their own individual style of learning.
  • The designs were tailored to meet individual preferences.
unique

This word is used to describe something or someone that is one of a kind and unlike anything else. It typically has a positive connotation.

  • Her unique perspective on life makes her a great writer.
  • Each snowflake is unique and beautiful in its own way.

Examples of usage

  • He was known for his idiosyncratic sense of humor.
  • Her idiosyncratic fashion sense always stood out.
  • The artist's idiosyncratic style made her paintings unique.
Context #2 | Noun

psychology

A mode of behavior or way of thought peculiar to an individual.

Synonyms

eccentricity, peculiarity, quirk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
idiosyncratic

This word is used to describe someone's unique and individual characteristics or behaviors, particularly when they are unusual but not necessarily negative.

  • Her idiosyncratic way of organizing her desk always intrigued her colleagues.
  • The artist's idiosyncratic style set him apart from his peers.
peculiarity

Highlights odd or unusual aspects of something or someone, which can be intriguing, but sometimes seen as a flaw or irregularity.

  • One of the peculiarities of this town is that there are no traffic lights.
  • His speech had a peculiarity that made him stand out at conferences.
quirk

Refers to a minor, unusual behavior or habit that is often charming or interesting. Quirks are usually seen as endearing rather than problematic.

  • Her quirk of tapping her foot while thinking made everyone smile.
  • One of his quirks was his habit of collecting vintage postcards.
eccentricity

Describes behavior or habits that are unconventional and often seen as strange or unusual. It can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation if it implies deviation from social norms.

  • His eccentricity includes wearing brightly colored socks with every suit.
  • Living alone in a mansion filled with cats was just one of her many eccentricities.

Examples of usage

  • His idiosyncratic approach to problem-solving often yielded innovative solutions.
  • Each artist has their own idiosyncratic creative process.
  • The professor's idiosyncratic teaching methods were both challenging and stimulating.

Translations

Translations of the word "idiosyncratic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 idiossincrático

🇮🇳 विशिष्ट

🇩🇪 eigenwillig

🇮🇩 idiosinkratik

🇺🇦 ідіосинкратичний

🇵🇱 idiosynkratyczny

🇯🇵 特異的 (とくいてき)

🇫🇷 idiosyncratique

🇪🇸 idiosincrático

🇹🇷 kendine özgü

🇰🇷 특이한

🇸🇦 شاذ

🇨🇿 idiosynkratický

🇸🇰 idiosynkratický

🇨🇳 特立独行的 (tèlìdúlìng de)

🇸🇮 idosinkratičen

🇮🇸 einkennandi

🇰🇿 ерекше

🇬🇪 იდიოსინკრატიული (idiosinkrat'iuli)

🇦🇿 idioqrasik

🇲🇽 idiosincrático

Etymology

The term 'idiosyncratic' originated from the Greek word 'idiosunkrasia', meaning 'a peculiar temperament' or 'peculiarity'. It entered the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of idiosyncrasy has been studied in various fields, including psychology and sociology, to understand individual differences and unique characteristics.

See also: idiosyncrasies.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,856, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.