idiosyncratic
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- idiosyncratically adverb
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.
There were too many styles, too many idiosyncratic approaches to the dramatic poetry.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026
The structure of his stream is a bit more idiosyncratic compared to the others I encountered: Williams often holds polls in his live chat, determining what threads he should investigate next.
From Slate • Feb. 23, 2026
Bamberger contributed not only capital but an idiosyncratic management style—among his colorful incentive programs for employees was one called “the Gorilla Plan”—and a shrewd instinct for expansion.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026
We like gold as a tactical play with idiosyncratic drivers but don’t see it as a long-term portfolio hedge.”
From MarketWatch • Jan. 30, 2026
There was nothing idiosyncratic about Brinker unless you saw him from behind; I did as he turned to close the door after him.
From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles
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.
