idiosyncratic
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word 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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Into the Wild
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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.
This suggests that the rally is not simply a broad-based currency debasement trade, but one driven by more idiosyncratic factors specific to the precious metals complex.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026
Known for his idiosyncratic personality, Burry has gained a huge following online for correctly betting against the U.S. housing market during the 2008-09 financial crisis.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026
The live-wire wit and idiosyncratic verve that she embodied in “Reds” and “Something’s Gotta Give” are very much on display here.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026
Krishna at Barclays says that historically low correlations within the S&P 500 sectors suggest idiosyncratic earnings, while noting concentration changes stoked volatility.
From Barron's ● Jun. 23, 2026
It seems taken for granted in America that life for idiosyncratic, individualistic kids is brutal.
From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz
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.
