English Reference

Word

quirk

Phoneticsquirk

US/ˈkwɝk/

UK/kwˈɜːk/

Countable noun

Definition

n. a strange or unusual habit or part of someone's personality. It is usually something small that makes a person different from others but is not necessarily bad.

n. a peculiar behavioral habit or an unexpected aspect of something's character. Often implies a minor, idiosyncratic trait that is harmless or even endearing.

Examples

“One of his quirks is that he only drinks tea from a blue mug.”

“The old house has several quirks, like a kitchen floor that slopes slightly to the left.”

“While her writing style is generally formal, she occasionally indulges in the quirk of using archaic vocabulary to add a touch of historical flavor to her essays.”

Examples

simple

“One of his quirks is that he only drinks tea from a blue mug.”

contextual

“The old house has several quirks, like a kitchen floor that slopes slightly to the left.”

complex

“While her writing style is generally formal, she occasionally indulges in the quirk of using archaic vocabulary to add a touch of historical flavor to her essays.”

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'of' to describe a specific habit.

Real-World Examples

“While they may be annoying at times, it's important not to shame or judge people for their quirks.”
ABC News 6 Jun 2023
“You learn their quirks and how clean they are and how they decorate a room.”
Vox 21 Apr 2024
“Have you noticed these or any other cultural quirks Spaniards have?”
The Local 17 Aug 2023

Word family

NOUN

Quirk(B2)

ADJECTIVE

Domain

Architecture

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference