Peculiarities: meaning, definitions and examples

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peculiarities

[pɪˌkjuːlɪˈærətiz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in behavior

Strange or unusual qualities or characteristics that make someone or something different from others.

Synonyms

eccentricities, oddities, quirks.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
peculiarities	Use to describe specific, often unique, characteristics or details that distinguish someone or something from others. These are not necessarily negative. One of the peculiarities of the region is its unique dialect. The artist's work is known for its peculiarities in style and color.
eccentricities	Best used when referring to strange or unusual behaviors or habits, often in a person. This word often carries a mildly negative connotation, implying the behavior is out of the norm. Her eccentricities make her a memorable character in the story. He is known for his eccentricities, like wearing mismatched shoes.
oddities	Describes something or someone that is unusual or strange. This term can also have a slightly negative tone, suggesting that the object or person is bizarre. The museum is full of oddities from different cultures. She has a collection of oddities that she found during her travels.
quirks	Refers to small, unique, and often charming or endearing traits or habits. The term is generally positive or neutral and frequently used to describe personality traits. One of his quirks is always double-checking if the door is locked. Her quirky sense of humor always makes us laugh.

Examples of usage

He had a few peculiarities that set him apart from the rest of the group.
Her speech had certain peculiarities that made it difficult to understand.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in a situation

Special or unique features that distinguish something from others in a particular context.

Synonyms

characteristics, distinctive features, specifics.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
peculiarities	Used to describe features that are unusual or unique in a way that might be considered strange or odd. The peculiarities of his behavior made everyone uncomfortable There are several peculiarities in the design of this ancient artifact
distinctive features	Used to describe qualities that make something clearly different from others and easily recognizable. The distinctive features of the building are its high ceilings and large windows One of the distinctive features of the breed is its spotted coat
characteristics	Used to describe traits or qualities that are typical and help to identify or differentiate something or someone. Hard work and determination are among her strongest characteristics The car's main characteristics include its fuel efficiency and modern design
specifics	Used to refer to precise details or particular elements within a broader context or topic. He didn't go into the specifics, but mentioned that there would be changes Please provide the specifics of the plan before our next meeting

Examples of usage

The peculiarities of the local dialect make it fascinating to linguists.
The peculiarities of the legal system in this country can be challenging for outsiders to navigate.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

in nature

Distinctive or unusual traits that make something stand out from the norm.

Synonyms

idiosyncrasies, peculiar traits, unique characteristics.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
peculiarities	Generally used to describe characteristics or habits that are unusual or different from what is typical or expected. Her peculiarities set her apart from the rest of the group. The house has many peculiarities that give it a unique charm.
idiosyncrasies	Often used to highlight personal habits, mannerisms, or behaviors that are unique to an individual, sometimes with an implication of strangeness or eccentricity. His idiosyncrasies, like talking to himself, made him a fascinating character. One of her idiosyncrasies is always arranging her books by color.
peculiar traits	This term is frequently employed to underline specific, remarkable characteristics, often with a sense of distinctiveness or oddity. His peculiar traits include a love for ancient maps and an unusual accent. The dog had several peculiar traits, such as a distinctive bark and a habit of walking on three legs.
unique characteristics	Used to describe distinguishing features or qualities that make someone or something different from others in a positive or neutral way. Her unique characteristics made her an ideal candidate for the special project. Each painting in the exhibit had its own unique characteristics.

Examples of usage

The peculiarities of the climate in this region affect agriculture in unexpected ways.
The peculiarities of this species of bird make it particularly well-adapted to its environment.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'peculiaritas', which means 'belonging to one person' or 'characteristic'.
It has roots in the word 'peculiar', which originally meant 'private' or 'individual'.
In the 16th century, it evolved to describe things that were odd or unusual.

Psychology

Humans often show peculiarities in their behavior that reflect their individuality, influencing social interactions.
Embracing peculiar behaviors or traits can lead to increased creativity and problem-solving abilities.
The study of peculiarities in personality traits helps psychologists understand various mental health conditions.

Culture

Certain cultures celebrate peculiarities, viewing them as essential aspects of identity and diversity.
Art movements like Surrealism embraced peculiarities, encouraging artists to channel their unique visions.
Festivals around the world often highlight peculiar traditions and practices that distinguish local cultures.

Literature

Famous literary characters often have peculiarities that make them memorable, like Sherlock Holmes' unusual habits.
Writers use peculiarities to add depth to characters, making them relatable and unique.
Peculiar turns of phrase or narrative styles can make a piece of writing stand out and engage readers differently.

Science

In biology, peculiarities can refer to unique adaptations of species, providing insight into evolution.
Scientists often study peculiar behaviors in animals to understand their ecological roles and survival strategies.
The peculiarities of subatomic particles challenge our understanding of physics and the universe.

Translations

Translations of the word "peculiarities" in other languages:

🇵🇹 peculiaridades

🇮🇳 विशेषताएँ

🇩🇪 Besonderheiten

🇮🇩 keanehan

🇺🇦 особливості

🇵🇱 osobliwości

🇯🇵 特異性

🇫🇷 particularités

🇪🇸 peculiaridades

🇹🇷 özellikler

🇰🇷 특이점

🇸🇦 خصوصيات

🇨🇿 zvláštnosti

🇸🇰 zvláštnosti

🇨🇳 特点

🇸🇮 posebnosti

🇮🇸 sérkenni

🇰🇿 ерекшеліктер

🇬🇪 განსაკუთრებულობები

🇦🇿 xüsusiyyətlər

🇲🇽 peculiaridades

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,210 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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9207 destitute
9208 reasoned
9209 entrepreneurs
9210 peculiarities
9211 unimportant
9212 compressor
9213 immersed
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