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

All the enlightened reformers in Europe were desperately trying to eliminate the peasant peculiarities and plebeian dialects that divided the peoples of their nations.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Díaz believes that “31 Minutos” benefited from evolving in front of a young audience who accepted the show’s peculiarities at face value.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Despite its peculiarities, Penelope had grown fond of the Hixby’s Guide, for the pictures were charming and the brief descriptions were written in jaunty, if enigmatic, verse.

Read more on Literature

A team of astronomers began to take a closer look at 2024 YR4 using the Gemini South telescope in Chile to understand its origins and peculiarities.

Read more on Space Scoop

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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