Peculiarly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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peculiarly

[pɪˈkjuːlɪərli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a distinctive or unique manner

In a way that is different to what is normal or expected, especially in a way that is interesting or attractive.

Synonyms

distinctively, oddly, strangely, uniquely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
peculiarly	Use when something is odd or unusual, often in a strange or unexpected manner. She reacted peculiarly to the news The room was peculiarly quiet after the announcement
uniquely	Use when emphasizing the one-of-a-kind, rare quality of something or someone in a positive way. She has a uniquely beautiful singing voice This recipe is uniquely delicious
distinctively	Use when highlighting features that clearly set something apart from others in a noticeable way. The bird's plumage is distinctively vibrant His laughter is distinctively loud and infectious
oddly	Use when referring to something strange or unusual, often carrying a negative or confusing connotation. He behaved oddly at the meeting The plan seemed oddly familiar
strangely	Use when describing something that is not only unusual but also mysterious or hard to explain. She felt strangely calm before the exam The weather has been strangely warm this winter

Examples of usage

She was peculiarly silent during the meeting.
He was dressed peculiarly, with a top hat and sneakers.
The house was decorated peculiarly, with vintage furniture and modern art.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in a way that is particular to a person or thing

In a way that is specific or characteristic of a particular person, thing, or group.

Synonyms

characteristically, distinctively, individually.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
peculiarly	Can be used negatively when describing something as odd or strange in a way that deviates from normal expectations. The room smelled peculiarly musty, as if something was rotting. He behaved peculiarly after receiving the strange phone call.
individually	Appropriate when referring to something being done or considered separately, for each person or item in a group. Each student will be assessed individually based on their performance. The buttons must be sewn individually by hand.
characteristically	Used when describing something that is typical or habitual for a person, group, or thing. He answered the question characteristically, with a dry sense of humor. The artist's work is characteristically abstract and colorful.
distinctively	Best for situations where you want to highlight something that is recognizable and different from others in a noticeable way. The singer's voice is distinctively rich and soulful. Their logo is distinctively simple yet effective.

Examples of usage

He spoke in a peculiarly high-pitched voice.
The dish was seasoned peculiarly, with a blend of exotic spices.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

People might react more positively to behaviors that are peculiarly unique rather than conformist, often associating them with creativity.
Research suggests that embracing peculiar traits can contribute to better mental health, as it encourages authenticity and self-acceptance.
Individuals often perceive peculiar behaviors as indicators of intelligence or individuality, setting them apart from the crowd.

Pop Culture

The word appears frequently in literature and songs to describe characters or situations that deviate from the norm, often used in quirky comedies.
The famous TV show 'Peculiar Pairings' showcased odd friendships, emphasizing the charm of being different.
In fashion, 'peculiarly styled' outfits can often capture attention for being vibrant and outside conventional styles.

Literature

Classic literature often describes odd characters with the word 'peculiarly', showcasing their unique traits that drive the narrative.
Authors like Charles Dickens used the term to add depth to characters, portraying them as both eccentric and endearing.
'Peculiarly' is also used in poetry to convey emotions or imagery that stand out from typical expressions of feeling.

Science

In biology, unique adaptations of species to their environment can be described as behaving peculiarly in comparison to typical behaviors.
Astronomically, phenomena like 'peculiar stars' refer to those that exhibit unusual characteristics compared to their counterparts.
The concept of 'peculiarity' in chemistry can relate to rare isotopes that display unusual properties during reactions.

Origin of 'peculiarly'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'peculiaris', meaning 'of one's own' or 'private', which has evolved over time.
It first appeared in English in the 15th century, often referring to something that is unique or distinctive to a specific person or thing.
Its modern use expanded to include the connotation of oddness or strangeness by the 19th century.

The word 'peculiarly' derives from the adjective 'peculiar', which comes from the Latin 'peculiaris' meaning 'privately owned' or 'distinctive'. Over time, the adverb form 'peculiarly' developed to describe actions or attributes that are distinct or unique in a particular way.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,842 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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7839 consultants
7840 extremes
7841 resentment
7842 peculiarly
7843 careless
7844 jar
7845 boarding
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