Peculiar
/pɪˈkjuːliər/
Definitions
2 meaningsDifferent from the usual or normal; strange.
/pɪˈkjuːliər/
Strange or odd; unusual.
She had a peculiar habit of winking when she was nervous.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a party, and one person is wearing a hat made of bananas. That's peculiar! It's not something you see every day, and it makes them stand out.
👶 For kids: Something that's special or different and maybe a little bit weird.
More Examples
The house had a peculiar smell of old books and dust.
The dog exhibited some peculiar behavior during the thunderstorm.
How It's Used
"He had a peculiar way of walking."
"The author described the town with its peculiar atmosphere."
Belonging to or characteristic of a particular person or thing.
/pɪˈkjuːliər/
Belonging exclusively to someone or something.
The rituals of the tribe were peculiar to them.
💡 Simply: Like a secret code that only you and your best friend know. It's a special, one-of-a-kind thing.
👶 For kids: Only for one person or thing, like a special toy.
More Examples
The queen held peculiar rights to that land.
This is a peculiar problem to our organization.
How It's Used
"The property has a peculiar history."
"The peculiar powers of the monarch."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
peculiar to
Specific or unique to something.
"The style of writing is peculiar to the author."
From Latin *peculiaris* meaning 'of one's own, private, special,' from *peculium* meaning 'private property, wealth'.
The word 'peculiar' has been used since the 14th century, often with a religious or legal connotation to refer to something specific or private.
Memory tip
Think of a picture of something that is very unique or odd to help you memorize the word.
Word Origin
"of one's own, private, special"