Weirdly: meaning, definitions and examples

🤪

Add to dictionary

weirdly

[ˈwɪərdli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

used to describe an action or situation that is strange or unusual

In a strange or unusual manner; in a way that is not expected.

Synonyms

oddly, strangely, unusually.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
weirdly	Use 'weirdly' when something is strange in an unexpected or unsettling way. She weirdly smiled at me before leaving the room
strangely	Use 'strangely' when something is not normal and gives a sense of mystery or confusion. He was strangely calm after the accident
oddly	Use 'oddly' when something is unusual in an interesting or curious way. Oddly, the store was closed in the middle of the day
unusually	Use 'unusually' when something deviates from the typical or expected pattern or norm. The weather has been unusually warm for this time of year

Examples of usage

She smiled weirdly at me.
He weirdly decided to wear shorts in the snow.
The cat was staring weirdly at the wall.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

used to express surprise or confusion

Indicating surprise or confusion about a particular situation or event.

Synonyms

bizarrely, surprisingly, unexpectedly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
weirdly	Use this when something is strange or unusual in a way that seems unnatural or eerie. She looked at me weirdly when I asked about the haunted house. Weirdly, the lights turned off just as we entered the room.
surprisingly	Use this word when something is unexpected but not necessarily strange or weird, often in a positive or neutral sense. Surprisingly, the shy student volunteered to lead the project. The results were surprisingly good despite the lack of preparation.
unexpectedly	This word is used when something happens suddenly and without warning, typically in a context that involves surprise or interruption. He left the company unexpectedly, leaving everyone in shock. The rain started unexpectedly during the picnic.
bizarrely	This word is best for describing something very strange or exotic, often in an unusual or shocking way. Bizarrely, the clown started dancing in the middle of the serious meeting. She dressed bizarrely, mixing many different patterns and colors.

Examples of usage

Weirdly, he showed up at the party after saying he wouldn't come.
The book weirdly disappeared from my desk.
She weirdly changed her mind at the last minute.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word has roots in Middle English, coming from 'werd,' which means fate or destiny.
In the past, it was connected to the idea of controlling fate or supernatural powers, often linked to witches.
The modern use to describe something strange evolved in the 19th century, reflecting a shift from fate to unusual behavior.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'weirdly beautiful' has become popular in describing art or nature that has an unusual charm.
Many songs and movies use the term to highlight quirky characters or unexpected situations, emphasizing that oddness can be delightful.
The rise of social media has popularized being 'weird' as a badge of honor, celebrating individuality.

Psychology

People often consider things 'weird' when they do not fit into their expectations or norms, causing cognitive dissonance.
Research shows embracing 'weirdness' can lead to greater creativity and innovative thinking, as strange ideas often lead to unique solutions.
Individuals who openly express their quirks tend to be more relatable and authentic, fostering deeper social connections.

Literature

In Shakespeare's 'Macbeth,' the three witches, also known as the Weird Sisters, reflect the original meaning tied to fate and the supernatural.
Many modern authors use 'weird' themes to explore the boundary between reality and fantasy, revealing hidden truths about society.
The literary genre 'weird fiction' blends elements of horror, fantasy, and science fiction, pushing the limits of conventional storytelling.

Language Evolution

The suffix 'ly' is commonly used to transform adjectives into adverbs, making the descriptor of unusual behavior into an action.
Words that end in 'ly' often describe manners, showing that how we perceive strangeness can influence interactions.
As language evolves, terms like 'weirdly' often shift meanings, reflecting cultural changes in what is considered normal or acceptable.

Translations

Translations of the word "weirdly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estranhamente

🇮🇳 अजीब तरह से

🇩🇪 seltsamerweise

🇮🇩 anehnya

🇺🇦 дивно

🇵🇱 dziwnie

🇯🇵 奇妙に

🇫🇷 étrangement

🇪🇸 extrañamente

🇹🇷 garip bir şekilde

🇰🇷 이상하게

🇸🇦 بشكل غريب

🇨🇿 podivně

🇸🇰 čudne

🇨🇳 奇怪地

🇸🇮 čudno

🇮🇸 undarlega

🇰🇿 ерекше түрде

🇬🇪 უცნაურად

🇦🇿 qəribə şəkildə

🇲🇽 extrañamente

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,714 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
31711 blasphemed
31712 enshrine
31713 unquestioningly
31714 weirdly
31715 belched
31716 deplorably
31717 appendectomy
...