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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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