Meaning & use
idiosyncratic
Last updated
Meanings
adjectivecomparableformal
Peculiar to one person, showing a habit, style or way of thinking that is personal and unusual.
Grammar: Before a noun or after 'be'; not necessarily negative.
Patterns
- an idiosyncratic style
- be idiosyncratic
Her idiosyncratic teaching style made the class memorable.
He has an idiosyncratic way of folding his napkins.
The author's idiosyncratic spelling puzzled editors.
adjectivebefore a nounmedicaltechnical
In medicine, an unusual reaction in an individual to a drug or food.
Grammar: Medical term for rare individual reactions.
Patterns
- an idiosyncratic reaction
The patient had an idiosyncratic reaction to the medicine.
Idiosyncratic drug reactions are hard to predict.
The rash was an idiosyncratic response to the antibiotic.
Word forms
| comparative | more idiosyncratic |
|---|---|
| superlative | most idiosyncratic |
Common combinations
- idiosyncratic style
- The painter's idiosyncratic style is unmistakable.
- idiosyncratic approach
- Her idiosyncratic approach to cooking surprises guests.
- idiosyncratic behavior
- His idiosyncratic behavior amused everyone.
- idiosyncratic reaction
- They noted an idiosyncratic reaction in one patient.
- charmingly idiosyncratic
- The bookshop is charmingly idiosyncratic.
Synonyms and how they differ
- quirky
- Quirky is lighter and more affectionate, while idiosyncratic is more formal and analytical.
- eccentric
- Eccentric suggests far-out behavior away from social norms, which is stronger than idiosyncratic.
- peculiar
- Peculiar can sound negative or strange, whereas idiosyncratic emphasizes belonging to one individual.
- distinctive
- Distinctive is neutral and positive, with no sense of oddness.
Opposites
Word family
- idiosyncrasy noun
- an unusual personal habit or feature
- idiosyncratically adverb
- in a personal and unusual way
- idiom noun
- from the same Greek root, meaning one's own
Commonly confused: idiosyncratic or idiomatic? idiosyncratic or idiotic?
idiosyncratic vs idiomatic
Idiomatic means natural to native speakers, whereas idiosyncratic means unusual to one person.
idiosyncratic vs idiotic
Idiotic means very stupid and has no link to personal style.
Practice
The chef's ___ recipes mix flavors no one else would try.
Choose one answer.
Idiosyncratic describes personal, unusual style. Idiomatic relates to language expressions, and standard and typical imply ordinary.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “idiosyncratic”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.