ENGLISH
REFERENCE

peculiar

adj.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //pəkˈjuɫjɝ// UK //pɪkjˈuːliə// pe·cu·liar Archaic

adj. strange or unusual, often in a way that is hard to understand. You can also use it to describe something that belongs only to one specific person, place, or group.

adj. distinctive or unusual in character; strange. Also used to describe a quality or feature that is exclusive to a particular individual, group, or location.


SIMPLE

The milk has a peculiar smell today.

CONTEXTUAL

The custom of wearing bright colors at funerals is peculiar to this specific mountain village.

COMPLEX

While the architecture appeared standard from the street, the interior layout was quite peculiar, featuring narrow staircases that led to nowhere and windows placed at floor level.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin pecūliāris (“one's own”), from pecūlium (“private property”), from pecus (“cattle”).

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'to' when indicating exclusivity ('peculiar to').

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