# peculiarly

/pɪkˈjuɫjɝɫi/ (US) · /pɪkjˈuːliəli/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/peculiarly
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

in a strange or unusual way that stands out. You use it when something looks, sounds, or feels odd.

For teachers: in a strange or distinctive manner that sets something apart from what is normal or expected. Before adjectives, often weakens toward 'unusually' to mark degree rather than manner.

## Examples

- The old house smells peculiarly sweet and dusty.
- The engine sounds peculiarly quiet this morning, so the mechanic checks it before the long drive.
- The town remains peculiarly untouched by modern development, its narrow lanes and stone cottages preserving a rhythm of life that larger cities lost decades ago.

## Usage notes

- Modifies verbs, adjectives, or whole clauses; before an adjective it often means 'unusually' ('peculiarly quiet').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.