peculiarity

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

noun

plural

peculiarities 

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

Because of the peculiarities of the launch, however, it carried enough fuel to last 40 years.

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During a media tour earlier in the day, I found less echo than might be expected, though each space had its own peculiarities.

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For politicians of all parties this week's votes are a political peculiarity.

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And, on a strange night at Chavez Ravine, plenty more peculiarities would follow.

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And yet, by film’s end, we’re left with smiling admiration for its peculiarity and artistry instead of a catharsis, because too much of “The Legend of Ochi” feels like a presentation.

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Related Words

• distinctiveness www.thesaurus.com
• eccentricity 
• foible 
• idiosyncrasy 
• particularity 
• quirk 
• trait