Peculiar
/pɪˈkjuːliər/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Peculiar describes something that is not usual, strange, or different in a way that stands out. It can refer to a person, thing, or situation that seems odd or special compared to others. Sometimes it means something is unique but can also mean a little strange.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
Strange or unusual in a way that is noticeable
- •That house has a peculiar smell that I can’t explain.
- •He has a peculiar way of speaking that makes people listen carefully.
- •The weather today is peculiar for this time of year.
Special or particular to someone or something (less common meaning)
- •This custom is peculiar to their village.
- •She has a peculiar talent for painting that no one else has.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "peculiar" like "strange" (A1 word), but often with a feeling of curiosity or interest, not just fear or dislike
- ✓Picture a cat with very unusual eyes or a color that you don’t see every day
- ✓It's the feeling when you notice something that doesn't fit in, like a friend acting differently than usual
- ✓Sounds like "peek-you-lee-er" → imagine someone peeking (looking quietly) at something unusual that makes you curious
- ✓Think of Sherlock Holmes, who notices peculiar details others miss—things that are strange but important
- ✓NOT like "normal" (common, usual), peculiar means different from what you expect
- ✓NOT like "weird" (often more negative or scary), peculiar can be strange but also interesting or special
- ✓NOT like "unique" (only one of its kind), peculiar means unusual but there might be others like it
Try Other Words
- •Odd: unusual or different in a way that may seem strange (Use when the difference is clear but less formal)
- •Unusual: not common or normal (Use when you want a softer, more neutral word)
- •Unique: one of a kind, very special (Use when emphasizing something is the only one like it)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix, root word from Latin origin)
- •Etymology: From Latin "peculiare" meaning "of one’s own property" or "special," later evolving to mean unusual or distinctive
- •Historical development: Originally meant something belonging to a person or place, then changed to mean something different or strange in English from the 16th century
- •Modern usage: Used to describe things that are strange, unusual, or special in a way that stands out from the normal
Reflect & Connect
•Can something be peculiar in a good way and also in a bad way? How do you decide?
•How does noticing peculiar things help us understand people or situations better?
Fill in the blanks
1.The old building had a ___ smell that made visitors curious and a little uncomfortable.
2.She speaks with a ___ accent that is not common in this city.
3.It is ___ for him to arrive late because he is usually very punctual.
4.The tradition is ___ to that small island and not found anywhere else.
5.When something feels ___, people often want to learn more about it or ask questions.
6.Unlike strange or weird, peculiar can sometimes mean ___ or special in a positive way.
7.The artist’s style is ___ and makes her paintings stand out from others.