Odd: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿคช
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odd

 

[ ษ’d ]

Adjective / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

number

Different to what is usual or expected; strange.

Synonyms

peculiar, strange, unusual, weird.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
odd

Used to describe something that is different from what is normal or expected, but not necessarily negative.

  • He had an odd habit of humming while he worked.
  • It's odd that she didn't tell anyone she was leaving.
strange

Used to describe something that is unusual or unfamiliar, potentially creating a sense of curiosity or unease.

  • There was a strange noise coming from the basement.
  • It's strange that he didn't show up to the meeting.
unusual

Used to describe something that is not common or ordinary, but without a strong negative or positive connotation.

  • She had an unusual talent for solving complex math problems.
  • The weather this season has been very unusual.
weird

Used to describe something that is very strange or odd, often with a negative or creepy connotation.

  • That movie was so weird, I didn't understand a thing.
  • Why is he acting so weird today?
peculiar

Used to highlight something unique or specific to a person or thing, often in a mildly interesting or unsettling way.

  • She has a peculiar way of pronouncing certain words.
  • This plant has a peculiar smell.

Examples of usage

  • She has an odd sense of humor.
  • It's odd that he hasn't called yet.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

Of a person or their actions different from what is normal or expected; strange.

Synonyms

eccentric, peculiar, quirky, unconventional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
odd

Used to describe something or someone that is unusual or strange, often in a way that is unexpected or difficult to understand. This word can be neutral or slightly negative.

  • He has some odd habits that make people uncomfortable.
  • It's odd that she didn't show up for the meeting.
eccentric

Used to describe someone who has behaviors or ways of thinking that are unconventional and a bit unusual, often in a creative or charming way. Generally has a neutral or positive connotation.

  • The professor is known for his eccentric teaching methods.
  • She is an eccentric artist who creates very unique sculptures.
quirky

Used to describe someone or something that is charmingly unusual or characterized by distinctive, enjoyable oddities. It has a positive connotation and suggests a playful uniqueness.

  • His quirky sense of humor always makes people laugh.
  • The shop is full of quirky little items you won't find anywhere else.
peculiar

Used to describe something that is strange or unusual, often suggesting that it is different from what is normal or expected. It usually has a neutral connotation but can be slightly negative depending on context.

  • There was a peculiar smell coming from the old closet.
  • She has a peculiar way of solving problems.
unconventional

Used to describe actions or ideas that are not typical or traditional, often in a way that challenges norms or expectations. Generally has a neutral or positive connotation.

  • She took an unconventional approach to the business problem and succeeded.
  • His unconventional style attracted a lot of attention at the fashion show.

Examples of usage

  • He had a rather odd way of speaking.
  • Her behavior was a bit odd.
Context #3 | Noun

numbers

A number that cannot be divided exactly by 2.

Synonyms

single, uneven, unpaired.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
odd

Used to describe something strange or unusual, as well as numbers that are not divisible by two. Can sometimes imply curiosity or even suspicion depending on the situation.

  • It was odd that the store was closed on a Monday
  • Odd numbers include 1, 3, 5, and 7
uneven

Describes something that is not level or smooth, often used for surfaces or numbers that are not evenly divisible.

  • The path was uneven, making it hard to walk
  • The distribution of tasks was uneven among the team
unpaired

Used when describing something that is supposed to be in a pair but is alone, commonly found in scientific or technical contexts.

  • He has an unpaired sock
  • In the lab, we observed unpaired electrons
single

Typically used to describe something or someone that is one in number or not accompanied by others. Often used in the context of relationships to imply not being in a romantic partnership.

  • She lives in a single apartment
  • He is single and looking for a partner

Examples of usage

  • 3, 5, and 7 are examples of odd numbers.

Translations

Translations of the word "odd" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น รญmpar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคตเคฟเคทเคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช ungerade

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ganjil

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝะตะฟะฐั€ะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ nieparzysty

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฅ‡ๆ•ฐ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท impair

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ impar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ™€์ˆ˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูุฑุฏูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ lichรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nepรกrny

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฅ‡ๆ•ฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ liho

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รณddu

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒ”แƒœแƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tษ™klik

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ impar

Etymology

The word 'odd' originated from the Old Norse word 'odda', meaning 'third or odd number'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the concept of strangeness or unusualness. In modern English, 'odd' is commonly used to describe things that are different or out of the ordinary.

See also: oddball, oddities, oddity, oddly, oddness, odds.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,971, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.