peculiar
word
/pəkˈjuɫjɝ/
puh-KYOOL-yur
/pɪkjˈuːliə/
pi-KYOO-li-uh
Definition
If something is peculiar, it is unusual or different in a way that makes you notice it. It can describe something slightly strange, or something that is special to one person, place, or situation.
Usage & Nuances
Often sounds more formal than 'weird' or 'strange'. Common patterns include 'a peculiar smell', 'a peculiar habit', and 'peculiar to'. Be careful: 'peculiar to' means 'specific to', not 'strange for'.
Spanish: peculiar - extrañoPortuguese (BR): peculiar - estranhoPortuguese (PT): peculiar - estranhoChinese (Simplified): 奇特的 - 古怪的Chinese (Traditional): 奇特的 - 古怪的Hindi: अजीब - अनोखाArabic: غريب - فريدBengali: অদ্ভুত - বিশেষ (কারও জন্য স্বতন্ত্র)Russian: странный - своеобразный - присущий (только кому-то/чему-то)Japanese: 独特な - 奇妙なVietnamese: kỳ lạ - đặc biệt (chỉ riêng)Korean: 특이한 - 독특한Turkish: acayip - kendine özgüUrdu: عجیب - منفرد (کسی کے لیے خاص)Indonesian: aneh - khas
Example Sentences
There was a peculiar smell in the kitchen.
basic
He has a peculiar way of speaking.
basic
This bird is peculiar to this island.
basic
That's peculiar—I was sure I left my keys here.
natural
She has a peculiar habit of laughing when she's nervous.
natural
That kind of humor is peculiar to British comedy.
natural