peculiarity

[ pi-kyoo-lee-ar-i-tee, -kyool-yar- ]

noun

, plural pe·cu·li·ar·i·ties.

1. a trait, manner, characteristic, or habit that is odd or unusual.

   Synonyms: idiosyncrasy

2. oddity; singularity; eccentricity.

   Synonyms: irregularity

3. a distinguishing quality or characteristic.
4. the quality or condition of being peculiar.

peculiarity

/ pɪˌkjuːlɪˈærɪtɪ /

noun

1. a strange or unusual habit or characteristic
2. a distinguishing trait, etc that is characteristic of a particular person; idiosyncrasy
3. the state or quality of being peculiar

Word History and Origins

Origin of peculiarity¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from Late Latin pecūliāritās “private property, special care,” a derivative of pecūliāris peculiar + -itas -ity ( def )

Synonym Study

See eccentricity. See feature.

Example Sentences

This gives planners the information they need to make informed decisions about curbside policy tailored to their city’s peculiarities.

From TechCrunch

She was the exception to rules she didn’t really notice — until one day, while she was still an assistant, someone at a meeting made her individuality into a peculiarity.

From Washington Post

It might take you a little while to master the peculiarities of baking bread in winter.

From Washington Post

Paying attention to the brain’s peculiarities can, in other words, be insightful, not counter-productive.

From Nautilus

A far more troubling circumstantial peculiarity is the notion that mold and other pollutants—often found in old buildings—can mess with people’s minds.

From Popular-Science

“The peculiarity of this book is that I never saw it coming,” Burke said.

From The Daily Beast

Adding to the peculiarity of the case is the lack of motive.

From The Daily Beast

Not a few of these are extremely beautiful, and are well worth growing on this account, quite apart from their peculiarity.

From Project Gutenberg

I've spoke to my missus about it and she has noticed the same thing since she was a girl—so it must be a peculiarity.

From Project Gutenberg

If you memorise the Correlation, you will recall the Name whenever you think of this Peculiarity (whatever struck you about him).

From Project Gutenberg

The peculiarity about a homestead is, it is protected by law from seizure by the owner's creditors.

From Project Gutenberg

The peculiarity of these bodies is that they appear in most cases to be more or less completely vaporous.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• distinctiveness
• eccentricity
• foible
• idiosyncrasy
• particularity
• quirk
• trait