idiosyncratic

[id-ee-oh-sin-krat-ik, -sing-]

adjective

1. pertaining to the nature of idiosyncrasy, or something peculiar to an individual.

   The best minds are idiosyncratic and unpredictable as they follow the course of scientific discovery.

idiosyncratic

/ ˌɪdɪəʊsɪŋˈkrætɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to idiosyncrasy; characteristic of a specific person

Other Word Forms

• idiosyncratically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of idiosyncratic¹

First recorded in 1750–60; equivalent to idio- ( def. ) + Greek sýnkrat(os) “closely united” + -ic ( def. ); syn- ( def. ), crater

Example Sentences

Hoisington, a highly respected if idiosyncratic bond-fund manager based in Austin, Texas, is among the few taking the bold contrarian move of owning longer-term Treasury bonds instead of the less volatile short-term bonds.

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Many crypto enthusiasts are shocked by this drop, going to great lengths to dismiss it as a one-time event caused by idiosyncratic factors.

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Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton, whose emotionally wrenching performances and idiosyncratic personal style made her a touchstone to generations of American women, died in her native California.

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And even in the best of times, some borrowers will run into idiosyncratic problems.

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But her idiosyncratic policy views are, by design, inseparable from her larger brand as a hair-on-fire nutcase of the most rancid sort.

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Related Words

• characteristic 
• distinctive 
• individual 
• peculiar 
• singular 
• specific 
• unique