Meaning & use

idiosyncrasy

noun·Advanced

A peculiar habit, mannerism, or way of thinking that is distinctive to a particular person.

See it in a sentence

One of his idiosyncrasies is arranging his books by color rather than by author.

The biography lovingly catalogs the composer's odd idiosyncrasies, like composing only at dawn.

A note on using this word

Idiosyncrasy is usually neutral or affectionate, describing an individual's unique trait rather than a fault to be corrected.

Words with a similar meaning

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