idiosyncratic
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of idiosyncratic
First recorded in 1750–60; equivalent to idio- ( def. ) + Greek sýnkrat(os) “closely united” + -ic ( def. ); cf. syn- ( def. ), crater
Explanation
Idiosyncratic means unique to an individual. Albert Einstein famously had lots of idiosyncratic habits. For example, he rarely wore socks, and he talked to his cat. One thing that Einstein definitely wasn't was an idiot. Yet idiosyncratic and idiot are related. Idio is ancient Greek for "one's own." An idiosyncratic person is someone who does things in his own way. And the original meaning of idiot was basically "a regular Joe" — an ordinary person who keeps to himself.
Vocabulary lists containing idiosyncratic
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Idiosyncratic, resting wholly on personal whim, and irrevocable.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2025
Idiosyncratic expression was rarely the goal of either photographer or sitter.
From The New Yorker • Feb. 14, 2019
Idiosyncratic, varied songs with arresting, sparky, loose energy and a lyrical deftness which flatters the listener.
From The Guardian • Dec. 26, 2018
Idiosyncratic characters—the “wandering bald man” who haunts a “useless swamp” was my favorite—add to the atmosphere.
From Slate • Mar. 5, 2014
Transcriber's Notes There is much Idiosyncratic spelling in both English and German.
From Tieck's Essay on the Boydell Shakspere Gallery by Danton, George Henry
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
