idiosyncrasy

[ id-ee-uh-sing-kruh-see, -sin- ]

noun

, plural id·i·o·syn·cra·sies.

1. a characteristic, habit, mannerism, or the like, that is peculiar to an individual.

   Synonyms: quirk, peculiarity

2. the physical constitution peculiar to an individual.
3. a peculiarity of the physical or the mental constitution, especially susceptibility toward drugs, food, etc. Compare allergy ( def 1 ).

idiosyncrasy

/ ˌɪdɪəʊˈsɪŋkrəsɪ /

noun

1. a tendency, type of behaviour, mannerism, etc, of a specific person; quirk
2. the composite physical or psychological make-up of a specific person
3. an abnormal reaction of an individual to specific foods, drugs, or other agents

Other Words From

• id·i·o·syn·crat·ic [id-ee-oh-sin-, krat, -ik, -sing-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of idiosyncrasy¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Greek idiosynkrāsía, equivalent to idio- idio- + syn- syn- + krâs(is) “a blending” + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of idiosyncrasy¹

C17: from Greek idiosunkrasia, from idio- + sunkrasis mixture, temperament, from sun- syn- + kerannunai to mingle

Synonym Study

See eccentricity.

Example Sentences

Nothing in “The Universal Theory” is going to blow your mind, but as it plays its fastidiously crafted notes of conspiracy and chaos, you’ll know the idiosyncrasies of the art house are alive and well.

From Los Angeles Times

Cricket being cricket, there are some imperfections and idiosyncrasies.

From BBC

This is how the team behind “Furiosa” created the War Rig, and how they worked with its idiosyncrasies.

From New York Times

The Cat King “clearly has a lot of wisdom and has been around for a long time, but there was a lot of idiosyncrasies with him,” said Gage.

From Los Angeles Times

And there are long looks at the idiosyncrasies of the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s co-founders, the charismatic ballet legends Karel Shook and Arthur Mitchell.

From New York Times

Related Words

• eccentricity
• mannerism
• peculiarity
• trait