rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycuriousStrange or unusual
adjective

curious

Unusual in a way that attracts attention.

A curious pattern of circles covers the old wooden door.

Etymology
curiousLatincareful; inquisitive

The Latin adjective concerns close attention or inquiry. The object that invites such attention became curious in the sense of unusual or striking.

More examples

  • By a curious coincidence, both neighbors have the same birthday.
  • The refrigerator makes a curious humming noise at night.
  • It's curious that nobody remembers locking the gate.

Forms

curious

curiously adverb — In a strange or unusual way.

Similar words

odd
Suggests something does not fit what people normally expect.
unusual
Means uncommon, without necessarily suggesting anything strange or puzzling.
peculiar
Often suggests a distinctive strangeness that sets something apart.