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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'idios', meaning 'one's own', and 'synkrasis', meaning 'mixing together'.
It was first used in English in the 17th century to describe unusual characteristics or behaviors.
The root 'idio-' is also found in words like 'idiom' and 'idiot', linking it to individuality and unique expressions.

Psychology

In psychology, 'idiosyncratic' traits can refer to behaviors that help define one's personality.
These traits can impact one’s interaction with society, as they may lead to innovative thinking or unique creative expressions.
Understanding idiosyncratic behaviors can play a role in therapeutic settings, helping therapists tailor their approaches to individual needs.

Art and Literature

Many artists and writers are celebrated for their idiosyncratic styles, which set them apart from conventional norms.
The surrealist movement often embraced idiosyncratic expressions, encouraging artists to draw from personal experiences and subconscious thoughts.
Idiosyncratic language or writing styles can create rich, engaging narratives that challenge our usual patterns of thinking.

Pop Culture

Idiosyncratic characters are often featured in movies and books, adding depth and humor to storytelling.
The quirks of famous figures like Albert Einstein or Salvador Dalí showcase idiosyncratic traits that contribute to their legendary status.
Reality TV shows often highlight idiosyncratic individuals, showcasing their unique perspectives or unusual habits.

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

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.

...
16853 whistled
16854 bumped
16855 amicable
16856 idiosyncratic
16857 tumultuous
16858 siting
16859 deceiving
...