adjective
peculiar
pih-KYOO-lee-er/pɪˈkjuːliər/
Different from what is usual, often in an odd or distinctive way.
The carrot's peculiar corkscrew shape contrasts with the straight carrots beside it.
Etymology
From the idea of private property, peculiar first meant belonging exclusively to someone. That developed into “special” or “distinctive,” then into the modern sense of noticeably odd or unusual.
In context
Buried approximately 30 cm underground was a peculiar bronze disc measuring around 32 cm in diameter with shimmering gold symbols arranged across its surface.
More examples
- She has a peculiar habit of counting every stair.
- His explanation sounds peculiar, but it might be true.
- These tomatoes have a peculiar shape but taste delicious.
Forms
peculiar
peculiarity noun — A feature that is unusual or distinctive.
peculiarly adverb — In an unusual or distinctive way.
Similar words
- unusual
- Means uncommon without necessarily suggesting anything odd.
- strange
- More strongly suggests something unfamiliar or difficult to explain.
- distinctive
- Emphasizes recognizable differences without necessarily suggesting oddness.