Strange: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when something is unfamiliar or difficult to understand, often surprising.

• It's strange that he didn't show up for the meeting
• The house had a strange atmosphere at night

Refers to something that is not common or happens infrequently; generally neutral in tone.

• It's unusual to see snow in this part of the country
• He has an unusual talent for juggling

Used for things that deviate slightly from normal behavior or appearance; often minor or harmless quirks.

• That's an odd way to solve the problem
• He has some odd habits, like talking to himself

Implies something is very strange and often unsettling or creepy, generally with a negative connotation.

• That movie was really weird and hard to understand
• The way he looked at me was kind of weird

Describes something that is unusually different and often unique to a specific situation or person.

• She had a peculiar accent that I couldn't place
• There's a peculiar smell in this room

Use when describing something or someone that is unusual or hard to understand.

• It feels strange to be in a new city
• That was a strange thing to say

Suitable for referring to something or someone from another country or something unfamiliar.

• I’m studying several foreign languages
• His accent is foreign

Often used to describe something or someone from another world or completely different from what is known.

• The concept seemed alien to me
• Aliens from another planet are a common theme in movies

Good for situations where you want to express that something or someone is not known or recognized.

• I felt uncomfortable in the unfamiliar surroundings
• The word was unfamiliar to most people

Best used when describing something that is attractively unusual or strikingly different, often related to culture, food, or places.

• She wore an exotic dress from India
• The restaurant serves exotic dishes from around the world