adj
peculiar
pih-KYOO-lee-uh
adj
1
Strange or odd; unusual in a way that draws attention.
"There was a peculiar smell coming from the basement."
"He had a peculiar habit of humming while he worked."
2
Belonging distinctly to a particular person, place, or thing; specific to it.
"That dry sense of humor is peculiar to British sitcoms."
How to Use Peculiar
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "strange/odd" or "specific and unique to something" — context tells you which.
Common mistake
When followed by "to" (e.g. "peculiar to this region"), it means "specific/unique to", not "strange".
Common pairings
peculiar to
a peculiar feeling
peculiar habit
Word Forms
more peculiar comparative, peculiars plural, most peculiar superlative
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Etymology
From Latin pecūliāris ("one's own property"), from pecūlium ("private property"), ultimately from pecus ("cattle") — livestock once being a measure of personal wealth.